Chicago Cubs (2-4) vs. Sacramento Athletics (2-2)
The Chicago Cubs are set to face off against the Sacramento Athletics in the second game of a three-game series at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento on Tuesday night. This matchup brings an exciting opportunity for fans to analyze the teams’ current standings and performance, along with predictions and odds.
The Cubs are slight favorites at -118 on the moneyline for Tuesday’s contest, while the Athletics are at +100. The total for the game is set at 8.5 runs, leaning towards the under.
Let’s examine the Cubs vs. Athletics matchup as part of our MLB picks for April 1, 2025. The first pitch is scheduled for 10:05 PM ET.
Chicago Cubs: A Call for Pitching Improvement
After a challenging two-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Tokyo, the Chicago Cubs returned to North America. They recently split a four-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, winning two games but facing significant struggles in others. The Cubs managed a 10-6 victory in their series opener and a 4-3 win in Game 3, yet suffered losses of 8-1 and 10-6 in the other two matches.
Currently, the Cubs hold a batting average of .208 and have only managed 11 doubles and six home runs in 207 at-bats during the first six games. Their pitching has not fared much better, with the bullpen posting an 8.34 ERA and allowing a .351 batting average against.
Justin Steele is expected to start on Tuesday. The 29-year-old left-hander has struggled to find his form, recording a 1-1 record with an 8.00 ERA in his first two starts. His recent outings include four innings with five earned runs against the Dodgers and five innings allowing three runs against the Diamondbacks.
Sacramento Athletics: Strong Start in Seattle
The Sacramento Athletics kicked off their season with a four-game series against the Seattle Mariners. They managed to split the series while outscoring the Mariners 14-8. The Athletics triumphed in the middle games with scores of 7-0 and 4-2, but experienced a 4-2 defeat in the opener and a narrow 2-1 loss in the final game.
Tyler Soderstrom emerged as a standout player for the Athletics, hitting 7-for-15 with three home runs and four RBIs during the series. While the team’s batting average sits at .211, their pitching staff excelled, recording a 1.59 ERA and holding opponents to a .175 batting average against.
Luis Severino is slated to take the mound on Tuesday, looking to build on his solid opening performance. Although the Athletics lost the game 4-2, Severino threw six scoreless innings, giving up only three hits and four walks against the Mariners.
Best Bets for Chicago Cubs vs. Sacramento Athletics
Trusting Justin Steele will be a challenge for bettors. He has struggled significantly in his first two games this season and had a rough spring training with a 9.35 ERA. In contrast, Luis Severino showed promise in his debut with the Athletics, even though he faced the Mariners in a more favorable pitching environment.
Considering the Cubs’ bullpen issues, the Athletics seem to have the upper hand. Current Cubs players have only a .137 batting average against Severino, hitting just 7-for-51 with one home run. Meanwhile, the Athletics have fared slightly better against Steele, going 5-for-23, with only one player, Luis Urias, showing notable struggle at 1-for-11.
Want a second opinion on this pick?
