We’re getting to that time of year when some games just don’t have all that much meaning from a real-life perspective. Take this afternoon’s tilt between the Athletics and the Twins as a perfect example.
When talking about the three worst teams in the American League, both of these clubs are comfortably in the conversation with the White Sox. Neither is anywhere close to the .500 mark with a little over a week left in August and neither has any aspirations of a deep postseason run anytime soon.
But, hey! The Athletics can pull off a sweep today. That’s something. Let’s preview this matinee matchup with the help of some odds and lines on the DraftKings Sportsbook.
Athletics vs. Twins prediction, preview
Jack Perkins’ rookie campaign has been wild. Remember that it was Perkins who picked up a save in a July 30 contest between the Athletics and the Mariners — a save that signaled the end of Mason Miller’s time with the organization. It was actually Perkins’ third save of 2025, yet even with Miller traded to San Diego the next day, Perkins didn’t move into the closer’s role, as some had initially expected he would. Instead, his last three appearances have all come in the Athletics’ rotation. For the season as a whole, Perkins owns a 3.16 xERA, yet his numbers have not been nearly as good as a starter, with the right-hander in possession of a 6.43 ERA so far in August. However, Perkins still owns a 25.8% strikeout rate within the split and his fastball velocity hasn’t dipped too much in the transition. I truly think there’s some reason to be optimistic about the first-year player’s future.
On the other end of the spectrum, we find Jose Urena. The 33-year-old veteran has pitched for four different teams so far in 2025, as he’s made his way through New York, Toronto and Los Angeles before finding a home in Minnesota. Surprisingly, Urena’s run with the Twins has been solid, with the RHP pitching to a 2.13 ERA over 12.2 innings of work. Still, a 13.7% strikeout rate and a microscopic 1.17 K/BB ratio tell a much different story. As does Urena’s massive 7.23 xERA for the entirety of his campaign. Unlike Perkins, I’m having a difficult time selling myself on the potential upside of Urena on Thursday afternoon.
These lineups are also trending in completely opposite directions. Whereas the Athletics are riding high in August, in possession of the league’s fourth-best wRC+ (123), the Twins come into today’s tilt ranking 26th in OBP (.288) and 28th in batting average (.218) in the month. Byron Buxton has returned from the IL, and that’s certainly a boost to Minnesota’s offensive potency, yet it’s nothing like the three-headed monster that has been carrying the Athletics since August 1. In that stretch Nick Kurtz, Tyler Soderstrom and Shea Langeliers all have posted an individual wRC+ of at least 190. That’s pretty good!
Athletics vs. Twins pick, best bet
Best Bet: Athletics ML (-121)
The Athletics have the clear advantage in both starting pitching and recent lineup performance. I don’t trust Jose Urena at all.
