It's the Tigers' home opener, but this is a tough scheduling spot after playing a doubleheader in New York, hopping on a plane and then dealing with a 1:10 p.m. ET start time for this game against a well-rested A's team that didn't play yesterday. One other reason the A's can keep it closer than expected: JP Sears, who struggled in his first start but fared well in two starts against the Tigers last year, including throwing 7.1 shutout innings in Detroit. I expect sluggish Tigers bats to keep this one close.

In his 15 starts after returning from injury last season, Tarik Skubal had a 2.80 ERA in 80 1/3 innings. He threw six scoreless innings on Opening Day. Against these A's last September, he struck out 10 in seven scoreless innings and only needed 87 pitches to do so. It's the Tigers home opener, but they also played a doubleheader in New York yesterday with one game going into extra innings. I like the combination of Skubal dealing and Tigers manager AJ Hinch getting to save some bullpen for the weekend.

This number is high, but then again Skubal's total was way too low in his first start. He has plenty of rest here, pumped up for Opening Day in Detroit and facing a lineup with all kind of holes in it. Tigers haven't been scoring a ton so thinking Skubal gets a good run here. The A's have struck out 70 times in 7 games. Skubal King 9-10 batters in any outing wouldn't shock me, especially this lineup. Skubal is a cold-weather starter. No issues there. Not so sure about the A's bats.

The Tigers gave their ace extra rest with all the rainouts and off days early and we like it. Opening day in Detroit is always a blast - we've been several times - and Tarik Skubal will mow through this lineup from the left side. Tigers, like the Royals, are much improved and have more depth to the lineup. The A's have fundamental issues catching, hitting and pitching the ball and we are going to continue to fade them regularly at least a couple of days a week. Especially against elite starting pitching like this.