Game Summary

On August 23, 2024, the Milwaukee Brewers (73-54, first in the NL Central) will visit the Oakland Athletics (55-73, fourth in the AL West) at the Oakland Coliseum. The game is set to start at 9:40 p.m. EDT and marks the beginning of a three-game series between the two teams. The Brewers are coming off a tough stretch, having lost two consecutive games, while the Athletics are looking to build on their recent win against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Brewers have shown a solid overall performance with a .331 on-base percentage, ranking third in the majors. However, their recent batting average of .204 in the last ten games indicates a struggle at the plate, which may be a concern heading into this matchup. Their pitching staff, led by Aaron Civale (4-8, 4.78 ERA), has been decent but hasn’t been able to provide the necessary support consistently.

On the other hand, the Athletics have been resilient, currently sitting at 32-33 in home games. With a batting average of .253 and a total of 603 runs scored this season, they have demonstrated an ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Brent Rooker, leading the Athletics with 29 home runs, and Shea Langeliers, who is 14-for-36 with three doubles and a home run in his last ten games, represent significant threats at the plate.

Historically, these teams have not met in 2024 yet, but both have a lot on the line in this series. The Brewers aim to solidify their position in the playoffs, while the Athletics look to finish strong, building momentum as the season approaches its conclusion.

Player Prop Odds

For Sal Frelick, the following player prop odds are available:

• Batter Hits: Over 0.5 (-123), Under 0.5 (-104)
• Batter RBIs: Over 0.5 (+290), Under 0.5 (-450)
• Batter Runs Scored: Over 0.5 (+200), Under 0.5 (-285)
• Batter Singles: Over 0.5 (+120), Under 0.5 (-160)
• Batter Total Bases: Over 0.5 (-123), Under 0.5 (-104)

Player Analysis

Sal Frelick has been a key player for the Milwaukee Brewers this season, demonstrating his versatility as an outfielder. With a batting average hovering around .273, Frelick has shown the ability to get on base consistently. His speed on the bases has also been a significant asset, contributing to the overall offense of the Brewers.

Frelick’s stats indicate that he is capable of making an impact in multiple categories. He has recorded 55 RBIs and 15 home runs this season, showcasing his ability to drive in runs when it matters most. Additionally, with 18 stolen bases, he adds a dynamic element to the Brewers' lineup, making him a constant threat on the base paths.

Opposing Analysis

The Athletics' pitching staff, led by JP Sears (10-8, 4.15 ERA), will be a critical factor in determining Frelick's performance. Sears has been effective against left-handed hitters, which could pose a challenge for Frelick, who is primarily a left-handed batter. The Athletics have a solid bullpen, and if they can leverage their strengths against Frelick, they may limit his opportunities to score runs or get hits.

Prop Analysis

Each of the player props for Sal Frelick offers intriguing possibilities. The over/under for hits at 0.5 suggests that he is likely to get at least one hit in this game, especially given his recent form. The odds for him to record an RBI are less favorable, indicating that while he may get on base, driving in runs could be challenging against a strong Athletics pitching lineup.

Frelick’s propensity for singles and total bases is also noteworthy. The prop for singles at over 0.5 seems attainable, considering his ability to find gaps in the defense. However, the odds suggest that it may be a close call.

Starting Pitching Summary - Brewers

Aaron Civale will take the mound for the Brewers. His season stats of a 4.78 ERA and 1.37 WHIP illustrate the challenges he's faced this year. Civale has averaged over six strikeouts per game, but he has also allowed more than four earned runs in several outings. This inconsistency could affect the Brewers' ability to maintain leads, placing pressure on their hitters, including Frelick.

Starting Pitching Summary - Athletics

JP Sears represents the Athletics' starting pitcher for the game. With a 4.15 ERA and a solid WHIP of 1.18, Sears has been effective throughout the season. His ability to keep hitters off balance and limit scoring opportunities will be pivotal in this matchup. If he can replicate his recent performances, Frelick may find it challenging to register significant hits or RBIs.

Bullpen Summary - Brewers

The Brewers' bullpen has shown depth this season, but recent performance has been shaky. With key injuries affecting some of their more reliable pitchers, the bullpen's ability to hold leads will be essential. If the starters struggle, the pressure will fall on the bullpen to prevent the Athletics from capitalizing on scoring opportunities.

Bullpen Summary - Athletics

The Athletics have a more robust bullpen, ranking among the top in the league this season. Their ability to close out games and limit scoring in high-pressure situations has been a bright spot for the team. This strength could help them maintain a lead if they can get ahead early in the game against the Brewers.

Team Previews

The Brewers have a mixed record this season, with a batting average of .231 and a pitching ERA of 4.21. They need to find consistency in their hitting to stay competitive in the playoffs. On the other hand, the Athletics have a stronger offensive output, with a batting average of .253 and an impressive ERA of 3.69, showcasing their pitching prowess.

Team Injuries

Injuries have impacted both teams significantly this season. The Brewers are missing key players such as Christian Yelich (10-Day IL, back) and Brandon Woodruff (60-Day IL, elbow). The Athletics have also been hit hard, with Esteury Ruiz (10-Day IL, wrist) and several other players on the injured list. These absences could play a crucial role in the overall performance of both teams and affect the outcome of this matchup.

Recent Games

Here are the last five games for both teams: