Chicago Cubs vs
Oakland AthleticsPredictions & Preview

Cubs vs. Athletics Prediction: Chicago Favored in Pitching Matchup against Oakland

The Chicago Cubs are set to face off against the Oakland Athletics in the second game of their three-game series at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento on Tuesday night. The Cubs are currently favored with a -118 moneyline, while the Athletics sit at +100. The total runs for the game is set at 8.5, leaning towards the under. The starting pitchers will be Justin Steele for the Cubs with an ERA of 8, and Luis Severino for the Athletics with an ERA of 0. Despite Chicago being the initial betting favorite at -134, the line has not moved. The game is scheduled to begin at 10:05 PM ET. This preview provides insight into the Cubs vs. Athletics prediction and serves as one of our MLB picks for Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Cubs -134 | Athletics +115
• Spread: Cubs -1.5 (+125) | Athletics +1.5 (-145)
• Total: Over/Under 8.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Chicago will win straight-up is 57%.

Chicago vs Oakland Stats

Chicago Cubs

In recent games, the Chicago Cubs experienced mixed results after facing the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Cubs won two out of four games against the Diamondbacks, with victories in the opener and Game 3. However, they struggled in the closer and Game 2, resulting in losses. Currently, the Cubs have a batting average of .208 with 11 doubles and six home runs in 207 at-bats. Their bullpen has been struggling with a high ERA, WHIP, and batting average against. Justin Steele is expected to start in the upcoming game, with a record of 1-1 this season. The Cubs are ranked 19th in offense, 25th in defense, and have a power ranking of 16, with a record of 2-4 for the season.

Oakland Athletics Analysis

The Oakland Athletics opened the season with a four-game road series against the Seattle Mariners, splitting the series and outscoring the Mariners 14-8. Tyler Soderstrom played a key role for the Athletics, going 7-for-15 with three home runs and 4 RBI. The team's pitching staff performed well, posting impressive stats including a 1.59 ERA and a .175 batting average against. Luis Severino will be starting Tuesday's game after a strong Opening Day performance where he threw six scoreless innings. The Athletics currently have a power ranking of 27 and are ranked #12 for offense, averaging 4.33 runs per game, and #7 for defense, giving up an average of 2.00 runs per game. They have an overall record of 2-2, with Chicago winning two out of three matchups against Oakland.

Justin Steele's Struggles Raise Doubts as Athletics Face Cubs in Pitching Matchup

Justin Steele's performance in his first two starts of the season, along with his struggles during spring training where he posted a 9.35 ERA and 1.61 WHIP over 8.2 innings, has raised doubts about his trustworthiness. In contrast, Luis Severino made a strong debut with the Athletics, albeit in the pitcher-friendly environment of T-Mobile Park against the Mariners. The Cubs bullpen has had notable struggles, leading to a preference for the Athletics in this matchup. Current Cubs hitters have had limited success against Severino, while the A's have had some success against Steele, with Luis Urias being the exception. Based on these factors, choosing the Athletics appears to be a more logical decision.

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