For a pretty barren Monday, this here might be the game that’s got everyone’s attention tonight. The Rangers have been stumbling, and the Athletics? They’re a freight train gaining momentum. Texas is coming off some tough losses, and facing an ace like JP Sears is no easy task. Below, I’ve got my preview, prediction, and best bet for this Monday night baseball game between the Rangers and the A’s.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
Rangers vs. A’s prediction, preview
The Texas Rangers head into this game with their tails between their legs after a frustrating road stretch, but don’t let that misstep fool you. At home, they’re a different breed, bringing a potent pitching staff and a solid record that they’ve built in Arlington this season. However, the offense? It’s been dismal—ranking at the bottom of the MLB in batting average and on-base percentage. With a lineup that struggles to string hits together and an alarming lack of ability to capitalize with runners in scoring position, the Rangers are in real danger of falling short once again.
On the mound, Patrick Corbin has been serviceable at best. His ERA sits at a manageable 3.77, but he hasn’t been able to get through six innings in any of his starts this season. While Corbin does offer a reliable arm in the rotation, the Rangers’ reliance on him alone to stave off a surging Athletics team is a tall order. The key for Texas here will be their defense and bullpen—both of which have shown better form recently. Still, the Rangers will need to play near-perfect ball to back up Corbin.
On the other hand, the Athletics have been grinding out victories with timely offense and solid pitching from JP Sears. While his 3.21 ERA looks solid, it’s his ability to keep hitters off balance and induce strikeouts—especially against teams with high K rates like the Rangers—that stands out. Sears has been effective on the road, and with Texas striking out at a top-tier rate against left-handed pitchers (26%), Sears could be in for another strong outing. The Athletics’ lineup, led by the electric Tyler Soderstrom and Jacob Wilson, has been raking, and while their pitching staff isn’t elite, they have enough to match up here.
A’s vs. Rangers pick, best bet
The Athletics have won four of their last five games on the road against American League teams after a day of rest, and they’ve shown a knack for playing well in these scenarios. Meanwhile, the Rangers have failed to cover the run line in four of their last five games as home favorites after a loss. The contrast in recent betting trends, especially the Athletics’ ability to rise to the occasion away from home, gives us the confidence to back Oakland here, even as slight underdogs.
The Rangers’ struggles at the plate combined with their defensive shortcomings leave a lot of questions about their ability to deliver offensively. The Athletics are playing with confidence and rolling behind solid performances from their top hitters. Sure, the Rangers have the home-field advantage, but Sears and a hot Athletics squad make it tough to ignore the value here. The Athletics at -108 as slight underdogs? Lock it in.
Best bet: Athletics ML (-108) at Rangers
Sacramento is the new baseball city! You heard it here first! A’s make a statement on the road—tail it with me in the DKN Betting Group here!
