Athletics vs Phillies Prediction MLB Picks Today 6/16
- Lm Tipster
- Jun 16, 2023, 8:25:23 AM
© Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Introduction
The Philadelphia Phillies are set to take on the struggling Oakland Athletics at Oakland Coliseum. With Taijuan Walker on the mound for the Phillies and JP Sears pitching for the Athletics, it promises to be an intriguing game. In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive review of each team's pitching and hitting performances, assess key players, and consider the impact of injuries.
Pitching Duel
The pitching matchup features Taijuan Walker for the Phillies and JP Sears for the Athletics. Walker has had a solid season, posting a 6-3 record with a 4.67 ERA. While he has had some ups and downs, he has shown the ability to keep opposing hitters in check. With a solid repertoire of pitches, Walker has the potential to limit the Athletics' scoring opportunities.
Sears, on the other hand, has a 1-3 record with a 4.15 ERA. He has demonstrated good command on the mound, striking out 65 batters in 69.1 innings pitched. Sears will look to continue his strong performances and keep the Phillies' hitters at bay.
Hitting Analysis
Offensively, the Phillies have been relatively consistent, with players like Kyle Schwarber and Brent Rooker providing power and run production. However, they have struggled to score runs on the road, averaging just 3.88 runs per game away from home. Facing Sears, who has shown good control, the Phillies may find it challenging to generate a significant offensive output.
The Athletics' offense has been lackluster this season, ranking near the bottom of the league in several offensive categories. They have averaged just 3.96 runs per game, and their struggles have been particularly evident in home games. Against Walker, who has shown the ability to limit runs, the Athletics may continue to struggle to score.
Injuries
Both teams have a few players listed on the injury report, but no significant absences are expected to impact the game's outcome. However, it's always worth monitoring any late changes to the lineups or pitching rotations.
Prediction
Considering the historical trends and recent performances of both teams, the under of 8.5 runs appears to be the best bet for this matchup. The total has gone under in 16 of Oakland's last 18 games against Philadelphia, indicating a trend of low-scoring contests between these teams. Additionally, the total has gone under in 5 of Oakland's last 6 home games and 8 of their last 9 games when playing at home against Philadelphia.
Both Walker and Sears have the potential to keep opposing hitters in check, and their recent performances suggest a likelihood of a relatively low-scoring game. The struggles of both teams' offenses, particularly in generating runs, further support the under bet.
In conclusion, our MLB prediction and pick for the Philadelphia Phillies vs. Oakland Athletics game is to bet the under of 8.5 runs. The historical trends, recent performances, and pitching duel between Walker and Sears indicate a strong possibility of a low-scoring game.
Pick: Under 8.5 runs
