PREVIEW: Athletics at Tigers

DETROIT (Interstat) — Two last-place teams, separated by one win, meet Tuesday night when the Detroit Tigers host the Athletics at Comerica Park.

First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. The forecast calls for 80-degree temperatures and clouds.

The Tigers (40-50) are favored by 1.5 runs, according to Interstat’s game simulator, which projects a 5-3 final. The over/under is 7.5 runs.

Detroit enters on a high after taking two of three from the Texas Rangers, including a 6-3 win Sunday. The Athletics (41-49) arrive in a deeper slump, having lost seven of their last 10, capped by Sunday’s 9-8 loss to the Miami Marlins.

Players to Watch

Athletics catcher Jonah Heim provided the only real highlight Sunday, going 2-for-4 with a home run and six RBIs. The performance snapped a stretch of three hitless games (0-for-11) and marked his third homer in his last seven contests. Heim has driven in 12 runs over that span. He is hitting .255 with 14 homers and 52 RBIs entering the series opener.

Tigers outfielder Riley Greene has been Detroit’s most productive bat. Greene belted a home run and drove in four runs Sunday, going 3-for-4. Over his past five games, Greene has two homers, eight RBIs and a .381 average (8-for-21). On the season, Greene is batting .292 with 18 home runs and 58 RBIs.

Inside the Numbers

Oakland’s bullpen has struggled, with relievers posting a 4.29 ERA over the last 10 games. The Athletics have lost five straight series. Detroit’s starting rotation, led by right-hander Casey Mize (5-5, 3.98 ERA), has been more stable. Mize threw 6 2/3 innings Sunday, allowing two earned runs.

The Tigers have won four of their last six.

Looking Ahead

This three-game series is the only meeting between the teams this season. After Wednesday’s and Thursday’s games, the Athletics travel to Chicago for four against the White Sox. The Tigers return home to host the Philadelphia Phillies for a weekend set.