Athletics vs. Detroit Tigers Picks and Prediction for Thursday, July 9, 2026
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The Athletics continue their road series against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday at 6:40 p.m. ET from Comerica Park. Detroit enters the matchup at 41-50, fourth in the AL Central, while the Athletics are also 41-50 and sit fourth in the AL West. The Tigers have won three straight games after taking the series opener 6-2 on Tuesday, while the Athletics have dropped four consecutive contests. Cash a winning ticket with our free MLB picks
Athletics Preview
The Athletics have been one of the American League's better offensive clubs despite their recent losing streak. They rank 10th in MLB with a .248 team batting average while scoring 418 runs with 115 home runs and a .326 on-base percentage. Nick Kurtz has been outstanding, batting .271 with 89 hits, 20 home runs, and 66 RBI while posting a .410 OBP. Shea Langeliers has matched Kurtz with 20 home runs while adding 45 RBI, and Zack Gelof is hitting .281 with 11 home runs. Jacob Wilson is batting .272, giving the Athletics another dependable contact hitter in the lineup.
The biggest concern has been on the mound. The Athletics rank 29th in MLB with a 5.10 team ERA and a 1.47 WHIP while allowing opponents to hit .267. Oakland has managed just 19 quality starts all season despite recording 756 strikeouts.
Injuries: Tyler Soderstrom (10-Day IL), J.T. Ginn (Day-to-Day), Luis Severino (60-Day IL), Denzel Clarke (60-Day IL), Brooks Kriske (60-Day IL).
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Detroit Tigers Preview
Detroit has relied more on pitching than on offense throughout the season. The Tigers rank 24th in MLB with a .236 batting average, but key hitters have continued to produce. Riley Greene leads the club with a .289 average and 95 hits, while Dillon Dingler has driven in 60 runs with 19 home runs. Kevin McGonigle owns a .287 average with a .398 on-base percentage, and Spencer Torkelson has added 14 home runs.
The Tigers have been carried by one of the better pitching staffs in baseball. Detroit ranks sixth in MLB with a 3.76 ERA and owns a 1.23 WHIP while limiting opponents to a .236 batting average. The staff has recorded 35 quality starts and has consistently kept games within reach, helping Detroit win three straight entering Thursday's matchup.
Injuries: Justin Verlander (60-Day IL), Bailey Horn (60-Day IL), Gleyber Torres (10-Day IL), Will Vest (15-Day IL), Javier Báez (60-Day IL).
Pitching Matchup
Athletics – Jack Perkins (RHP) Perkins is 2-4 with a 6.75 ERA and 1.45 WHIP across 54.2 innings this season. The rookie has shown the ability to miss bats with 70 strikeouts, but limiting hard contact has been an ongoing challenge.
Detroit Tigers – Framber Valdez (LHP) Valdez is 4-6 with a 4.29 ERA and 1.38 WHIP over 100.2 innings. The veteran left-hander has provided valuable innings for Detroit and will look to keep Oakland's power hitters from generating early momentum.
Athletics vs Detroit Tigers Prediction
Detroit enters with the hotter lineup, the stronger pitching staff, and home-field advantage. The Athletics have struggled to keep runs off the board during their four-game skid, while the Tigers have won three straight by combining timely hitting with dependable pitching. Valdez gives Detroit a clear edge over Perkins, and the Tigers should be able to capitalize against an Athletics staff that has struggled throughout the season. Expect Detroit to control the game from the middle innings onward and secure another series victory. Final Score Prediction: Detroit Tigers win 5-2.
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