The Detroit Tigers travel to Sacramento to face the Athletics on Friday, July 31, 2026, with first pitch set for 9:40 PM ET at Sutter Health Park. Casey Mize takes the ball for Detroit against Oakland's Jeffrey Springs in a matchup that gives Tigers fans a look at how their rotation depth holds up on the road. With the regular season in full swing, every outing carries weight — this one is no different. Catch the game on Detroit SportsNet or listen on WXYT 97.1 FM.

Tigers at Athletics: Starting Pitching Matchup

Casey Mize gets the nod for Detroit. The former No. 1 overall pick has had a complicated road through the majors, but when he's right, Mize profiles as a legitimate rotation piece with his split-finger fastball and the ability to generate weak contact. Friday is an opportunity to build on whatever momentum he's carrying into this start.

Jeffrey Springs draws the assignment for Oakland. Springs is a left-hander with a track record of mixing arm angles and pitches to keep hitters off balance. Detroit's lineup will need to stay disciplined if Springs is on his game early.

Detroit Tigers Starting Lineup at Athletics

• Kevin McGonigle — 3B
• Gleyber Torres — DH
• Dillon Dingler — C
• Riley Greene — LF
• Hao-Yu Lee — 2B
• Spencer Torkelson — 1B
• Max Clark — CF
• Javier Báez — SS
• Ben Malgeri — RF

Keys to Watch for the Tigers

Riley Greene in the Middle of the Order

Greene hitting cleanup is a statement. He's the engine of this offense, and how he performs against Springs will go a long way toward determining whether the Tigers can put up a productive night away from Comerica Park. Detroit needs Greene to be a threat in the middle of the order, especially with runners on base.

Spencer Torkelson's Plate Discipline

Torkelson slots in at first base and bats sixth. He's a hitter who can do damage when he works counts and lays off breaking balls early. Springs is exactly the kind of pitcher who will test Torkelson's patience. If Tork stays disciplined, he can turn this lineup spot into a run-producing asset.

Max Clark Getting Regular At-Bats

The young center fielder continues to get meaningful looks in the seven hole. Every plate appearance is development time for Clark, and against a veteran pitcher like Springs, the experience matters. Watch how he handles left-handed pitching as the at-bats pile up.

Mize's Command Early

Oakland's lineup presents a legitimate challenge. Nick Kurtz leads off for the Athletics, Jacob Wilson hits second, and Jonah Heim bats third — a lineup that can make you pay for walks. Mize needs to establish his fastball and get ahead in counts to avoid letting the Athletics work deep into at-bats.

Prediction

This shapes up as a competitive road game. Mize has the stuff to keep Oakland in check, and Detroit's lineup has enough pieces — particularly Greene and Torres — to generate offense against Springs. The Tigers are capable of winning this one if Mize limits free passes and works into the fifth or sixth inning. Tigers 4, Athletics 3.