MLB Betting Picks: Oakland Athletics vs. Seattle Mariners

One of the most exciting wraparound series is set to begin from Friday. The series will be played at T-mobile park at 9.40 p.m. E.T. between the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners.

STARTING PITCHERS-

The most exciting battle will be between LHP Sean Manaea vs. RHP Taijuan Walker. Both the teams heavily depend upon these two-star pitchers, but the form of both the players had been a significant concern for both sides. In the case of Athletics, Manaea lacked support from the team, which led to a 4-1 loss. 

The match made it clear that the team struggled to find the correct chemistry as they were not able to get to the lone run until the seventh inning. Manea, alone from the side, looked in severe form as he frequently hit the strike zone at the start of the first half. He also tossed 40 of his 55 pitches for strikes. This also included the first-pitch attack to 17 of the 19 batters he faced. However, the figures could have been much better, considering his capabilities.

On the other hand, Walker lacked form. He was not able to perform up to the expectation of his team. He was completely outplayed in the first outing and could only earn five runs, just seven hits. He was also able to gain only one homer with one walk. He only managed one strikeout in the whole 31/3 innings in the last match against Houston last Saturday.

This is a significant concern for the mariners as Walker is one of their star pitchers, and he looks ultimately out of form. His numbers were not that good as he could only manage to hit the strike zone 38 times in his 67 pitches. He could only lead 8 first-pitch strikes to 17 batters he faced. 

THE INJURY CONCERNS-  

The Athletics would be missing the services of S.P. A.J. Puk as he is on his 10 - day injury recovery. He is being injured in his left shoulder and is suffering a Strain. He will not be available for this encounter, and this is a considerable loss fr the Athletics. On the other hand, the Mariners would be missing two big names in their squad Mitch Haniger and C Austin Nola.

 Mitch is recovering as he has recently undergone hernia surgery. He might not be available for the whole series. C Austin Nola has already missed the last two matches, but he is expected to return for these matches. But we need to wait for any official confirmation. 

WHAT CAN BE PREDICTED?

The Win prediction for the Athletics is more for these matches. The team looks in good form, and they have already won five of the last seven meetings with the mariners. Because the Athletics would be playing the game in their home ground, the team would be more confident in every aspect and are heavy favorites for the 2020 home opener. From the previous matches, it can be easily noticed that the Oakland team is playing with a lot of positive energy, and fewer injury concerns are making their away easier. 

As per the betting, the scenario is concerned that a winning bet of $10 for the Oakland team returns a profit of $5.49, which is the maximum profit as of this match. Also, the fact that Athletics is a better value squad in the run line, and only need to win by a margin of 2 points makes things easier for them. Some star Mariner players are entirely out of form. For example- Walker, one of the star pitchers, was horrible in the last five encounters. 

FINAL CONCLUSION

The fact that the Mariners are still in search of a perfect combination and are also in talks for substitutes of some star players makes it difficult to win this away encounter with so many limitations. So the Athletics have a great chance to dominate this game and win this home encounter. 

The only thing that can be a difference in both the squads is the home conditions that would be a significant advantage for the Oakland team. The betting scenario is also in favor of the Athletics and with more than 60% of top fans predicting the result in support of the Oakland team. The match would be exciting as both sides will be missing some of their star players, but considering all the aspects, it is the Oakland Athletics who are expected to dominate this encounter. 

Prediction

Athletics 6, Mariners 3