MLB Odds: Tigers-Athletics Game 1 prediction, odds and pick

Detroit and Oakland are playing each other after the All-Star break. Detroit is 37-55 and one game out of last place in the AL Central. Oakland is 32-61 and last in AL West.

Detroit is batting .235 in July, while Oakland is hitting .230. The Tigers out-scored their upcoming opponent 66-56 in this period. Detroit's left-handed pitchers are better than average, and their bullpen is better. Oakland's bullpen has allowed 151 walks with a 4.18 ERA this season. Javier Baez is having a good season for Detroit, batting just .211.

Zach Logue had a good start to his MLB career, but he had some rough patches. He has a track record against Detroit, however, and he has won four of their five meetings. Oakland has the third-least home runs in the American League, so they can beat Detroit without the long ball. Ramon Laureano has had an up-and-down July, batting .211 with an on-base percentage below. Sean Murphy has hit five home Runs in 15 games this month.

Detroit is the favorite on the money line. The Tigers have struggled on their road, going 14-31 away from Comerica Park. Oakland has a worse record at home, having gone 11-30 in front of sparse crowds.

Tigers are (-148) favourites to win the game.