Athletics vs. Detroit Tigers Picks and Prediction for Thursday, July 9, 2026
Use Code SSWC The Athletics visit the Detroit Tigers on Thursday at 6:40 PM ET at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. Both clubs enter with identical 41-50 records, although Detroit sits fourth in the AL Central while the Athletics are fourth in the AL West. The Tigers opened this series with a 6-2 victory on Tuesday and have won four of their last five games. The Athletics have dropped four straight contests and continue searching for consistency. Detroit has started to build momentum after a difficult first half, while the Athletics are trying to avoid another series defeat. Build your bankroll with our free MLB picks.
Athletics Looking to End Four-Game Losing Streak
The Athletics have produced solid offensive numbers despite their recent struggles. They rank 10th in MLB with a .248 team batting average while scoring 418 runs on 769 hits with 115 home runs, a .326 on-base percentage, and a .409 slugging percentage. Nick Kurtz has emerged as one of the league's most productive hitters, batting .271 with 20 home runs, 66 RBI, and a .410 on-base percentage. Shea Langeliers has matched Kurtz with 20 home runs while adding 45 RBI, and Zack Gelof has contributed 11 home runs.
Pitching has been the Athletics' biggest issue throughout the season. They rank 29th in MLB with a 5.10 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP while allowing opponents to hit .267 against them. The staff has struggled to consistently limit baserunners and has surrendered too many scoring opportunities. After allowing six runs in Tuesday's series opener, the Athletics need a stronger performance from both their starter and bullpen.
Injuries: Tyler Soderstrom, J.T. Ginn, Luis Severino, Denzel Clarke, Brooks Kriske.
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Detroit Tigers Looking to Keep Winning at Home
Detroit has not generated consistent offense this season, batting .236 as a team with 385 runs, 717 hits, 106 home runs, a .314 on-base percentage, and a .398 slugging percentage. Dillon Dingler leads the club with 19 home runs and 60 RBI, while Riley Greene continues to anchor the lineup with a .289 batting average and 95 hits. Kevin McGonigle has reached base consistently with a .398 on-base percentage, and Kerry Carpenter has added 13 home runs.
The Tigers have remained competitive because of their pitching staff. Detroit ranks sixth in MLB with a 3.76 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP while limiting opponents to a .236 batting average. The rotation has consistently kept games under control, allowing the offense enough opportunities to produce timely runs.
Injuries: Justin Verlander, Bailey Horn, Gleyber Torres, Will Vest, Javier Báez.
Pitching Matchup
Athletics – Jack Perkins
Perkins is 2-4 with a 6.75 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP across 54.2 innings this season. The right-hander has allowed 58 hits while striking out 70 batters and walking 21. His strikeout numbers have been encouraging, but he has struggled to consistently prevent run.
Detroit Tigers – Framber Valdez
Valdez enters with a 4-6 record, a 4.29 ERA, and a 1.38 WHIP over 100.2 innings. The veteran left-hander has allowed 103 hits while striking out 78 batters and walking 36. Valdez has provided valuable innings throughout the season and gives Detroit a dependable starter.
Athletics vs. Detroit Tigers Game Pick
- Detroit Tigers
Detroit owns the edge with one of baseball's better pitching staffs facing an Athletics club that has lost four straight games. Valdez has been considerably more reliable than Perkins, and the Tigers continue to receive enough offensive production from Greene, Dingler, and McGonigle to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Detroit has already won the series opener and has the stronger overall matchup heading into Thursday.
Athletics vs. Detroit Tigers Over/Under Pick
- Under
Detroit's pitching staff ranks sixth in MLB in ERA and has been the biggest reason for its recent success. While Perkins has struggled, the Athletics have cooled offensively during their losing streak, and Valdez is capable of working deep into the matchup. Detroit does not consistently produce high-scoring performances, and the total will cash under.
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