Athletics Struggle to Find Consistency

The Oakland Athletics have been on a downward spiral for weeks, and it’s hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Despite managing a victory on Monday night, the team looks to be in a fade spot tonight at Arizona in the second game of their three-game series.

Arizona is -136 money line favorites in our consensus MLB odds, while the Over/Under for total runs scored is 9.5. The Diamondbacks are looking to capitalize on the A’s struggles, and with a strong lineup and decent pitching, they might just do it.

The Athletics’ Pitching Staff is a Concern

The Athletics’ pitching staff has been a major issue this season, with a 5.29 ERA that ranks better than only Colorado. The team has struggled to find quality starts, with only 20 quality starts in the books, 34 fewer than the MLB-leading Dodgers.

Converted reliever Jack Perkins gets the call tonight, but his past performances suggest that the Athletics might be in trouble. Perkins has lost his past five trips to the mound, and with a 6.87 ERA, it’s hard to see him turning things around tonight.

The Athletics have struggled against left-handed pitchers, and with Kohl Drake making his debut for Arizona, it’s likely to be a long night for the A’s.

The Diamondbacks’ Rotation is in Flux

The Diamondbacks’ rotation is in flux, with Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly struggling to find consistency. Gallen’s season might be over, and with Michael Soroka also on the injured list, the team needs a reliable arm to step up.

Kohl Drake is that arm, and despite a 6.92 ERA in Triple-A Reno, he’s a promising young pitcher who could make a difference for the Diamondbacks.

The model projects Drake to go 5.0 innings, with 4.9 strikeouts, 6.2 hits allowed, and 2.5 earned runs. While those numbers might not seem impressive, it’s worth noting that the Pacific Coast League is a hitter-friendly environment, and Drake’s numbers might be skewed as a result.

Athletics vs. Diamondbacks: A Key Matchup

The Athletics vs. Diamondbacks matchup is a key one, with both teams looking to gain momentum in the standings. The A’s are struggling to find consistency, while the Diamondbacks are looking to capitalize on their opponents’ weaknesses.

With a strong lineup and decent pitching, the Diamondbacks might just have the edge they need to take down the Athletics. But with a team like the A’s, you can never count them out.

Arizona should be a buyer ahead of the trade deadline, sitting only a half-game out of the final NL wild card spot. That race could be fascinating the rest of the way with a good six teams in the mix.