- What: MLB Regular Season Game
- When: Friday, June 28
- Who: Oakland Athletics vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
- Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
- Where: Chase Field (Phoenix, AZ)
The Oakland Athletics and the Arizona Diamondbacks have been struggling recently, with Oakland on a five-game losing streak and Arizona losing four of their last five games.
The teams are gearing up for a pivotal three-game series this weekend, set to kick off on Friday night. This series could be a turning point for the Oakland Athletics and the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Despite their playoff hopes being dashed, the A’s are determined to reclaim their relevance. The upcoming series could be the platform they need to turn their season around.
On the other hand, the Diamondbacks are eyeing this series as an opportunity to make significant strides in the competitive NL Wild Card race.
Rook absolutely crushed it ???? pic.twitter.com/cFKxc02pYP
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) June 26, 2024
Oakland was just swept by its division rival, the Los Angeles Angels, and has scored two runs or fewer in four of its five games during its current skid.
The A’s have had trouble scoring all season due to their heavy reliance on home runs, and lately, they haven’t been able to hit the long ball. Oakland’s lack of offensive talent has become increasingly apparent.
The Diamondbacks haven’t fared much better, slipping in the standings over the past week. Arizona’s main issue has been pitching.
Their starters have struggled, as evidenced by the Minnesota Twins shelling them in their last two losses.
The most recent example was Jordan Montgomery’s poor performance against Minnesota on Thursday, where he allowed eight runs (four earned) in just 2 2/3 innings.
Arizona’s pitching woes could provide an opportunity for Oakland to address their offensive struggles.
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics have one of the worst offenses in baseball, ranking 28th in batting average, on-base percentage runs scored, and stolen bases and 27th in OPS.
The only bright spot for the A’s has been their home run hitting, as they have hit the eighth-most homers in the majors.
However, their recent offensive struggles can be attributed to a decline in home run production, with no other form of scoring stepping up to fill the gap.
????Chase Field pic.twitter.com/ijJ81qRGi3
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) June 28, 2024
Oakland has hit only four home runs in its last five games, scoring just 10 runs.
The A’s have struggled to generate offense. They lack extra-base hits and suffer from injuries. Esteury Ruiz’s absence hampers their baserunning and ability to manufacture runs.
Even with decent performances from Brent Rooker, JJ Bleday, and Shea Langeliers, scoring has been challenging for Oakland.
This explains why the MLB odds favor the Arizona Diamondbacks heavily for Friday’s game.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The one positive for Oakland is that Arizona’s pitching staff has been struggling, so the A’s might be able to put some runs on the board this weekend.
If you’re making A’s vs. D’Backs predictions, remember that Arizona has given up 41 runs in its last five games, including two double-digit blowouts.
The Diamondbacks rank in the bottom five in most major pitching categories, including ERA, WHIP, strikeout, and hit rates.
Free-agent acquisitions Montgomery (6.03 ERA) and Rodríguez (currently injured) have turned a potentially strong rotation into a liability. Brandon Pfaadt, Ryne Nelson, Slade Cecconi, and Tommy Henry have all struggled.
Throw 4️⃣ on the board. pic.twitter.com/HDwKBns0GU
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) June 27, 2024
While Zac Gallen has performed well, he has missed a significant portion of the season due to injury, and Merrill Kelly has been out for over two months with a shoulder strain.
This weekend, Arizona will start Cecconi (5.74 ERA, allowing two homers per nine innings), followed by Gallen (returning from a hamstring injury) on Saturday, and then Pfaadt in the finale.
This is not the most promising trio for the Diamondbacks as they try to climb in the crowded NL Wild Card race. Cecconi is a particular concern due to his home run issues.
A’s-Dbacks Best Bet
Consider taking the A’s at a good value of +145 to win straight-up on the moneyline on Friday, with Cecconi starting for Oakland.
The A’s will face lefty JP Sears, who has struggled with a high ERA, largely due to a recent rough outing. However, he has shown better form overall this season.
Considering Arizona’s pitching issues, it’s likely that Oakland will find success at bat.
Additionally, given the pitching challenges on both sides, consider taking the over on 9 runs at -115 odds.
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