Alfredo Simon (5-2, 2.67 ERA) takes the mound for the Detroit Tigers (28-24) as they go up against Kendall Graveman (2-2, 5.79 ERA) and the Oakland Athletics (20-33) in the first of a three-game series at Comerica Park. The game starts at 7:08 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Jun. 2 and will air on CSN-CA and FSN-DET.
Simon has a 9.00 ERA and a 0-2 record in his career against the Athletics, and is up against a solid Oakland offense that’s hitting .257 on the year. Miguel Cabrera (.333, 28 Rs, 11 HRs, 34 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 3 Sunday with one run. The Athletics were unsuccessful the last time Graveman pitched. He went, going 5.2 innings, allowing three runs, striking out four and walking two in a 5-4 loss to the Yankees. Stephen Vogt (.322, 25 Rs, 11 HRs, 38 RBIs) went 1 for 3 Sunday with one run, one home run, and three RBIs.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. Detroit has been struggling as of late. In the last 10 games, Detroit has only averaged 3.0 runs per game compared to the 4.1 they’ve averaged on the season. The Tigers are a superb hitting team with an AL-best 9.5 hits per home game. They have been a terror on the base paths, ranking second in all of baseball with 45 steals.
The Athletics average just 6.6 strikeouts per game, one of the lowest marks in the AL. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Oakland pitchers. They’ve allowed 2.2 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 4.2.
In their previous three games this season, the Tigers have a 2-1 record. This game will feature Graveman (RHP) on the mound against the Tigers, who have a 20-19 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Athletics will be the right-hander Simon. They sport a 17-23 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – DET
Notes
Oakland has won 30% (8-19) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Detroit has won 67% (14-7) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Tigers managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Athletics who are coming in with a 9-10 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Tigers are 2-17. The Athletics have a 3-20 record when opponents outhit them.
Detroit ranks near the bottom of the league at 23rd when it comes to home runs, hitting 41 this season. Oakland ranks in the bottom half at 18th with 46.
Detroit and Oakland both rank in the top five of the league in hits. Detroit sits at second with 9.23 hits per game and Oakland ranks third with 8.94.
Ranking 15th, Oakland is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.710). Detroit ranks in the top five at third with an OPS of .748.
The Athletics are 4-21 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Tigers are 10-16 when they allow at least one homer.
