On Saturday evening, the Oakland Athletics (64-83, 28-44 away) will take the field against the struggling Chicago White Sox (33-114, 18-57 home) at Guaranteed Rate Field. This matchup will commence at 7:10 p.m. EST. Despite the absence of postseason aspirations for both teams, the A’s have shown resilience in the second half of the season, while the White Sox are attempting to avoid setting unwelcome records. Oakland previously secured two victories in their three-game series against Chicago in August. The question remains: which team will emerge victorious this time?
Oakland’s Unexpected Surge
Since the All-Star break, Oakland has posted a commendable 27-22 record, tying for the 10th-highest winning percentage during that period. Although their postseason hopes are dashed, the A’s continue to deliver strong performances. On Saturday, they will feature J.T. Ginn in his sixth MLB appearance. Over 19.2 innings, he has given up 17 hits, six walks, and 10 runs while striking out 20 batters. If Ginn can secure a lead, Oakland’s bullpen, ranked ninth in FIP and WAR, has the potential to close out the game effectively.
During their last encounter, a loss to Chicago at home, Oakland could only muster one run. Currently, they average 4.05 runs per game, ranking 26th in the league. Their power hitting, indicated by 186 home runs—ranking fifth in MLB—has been a saving grace. However, their overall offensive metrics reveal challenges: they sit 25th in batting average, on-base percentage, and 27th in strikeout rate. They rank 13th in walk rate, 14th in slugging percentage, and 18th in stolen bases. Brent Rooker is close to achieving a .300 batting average (.298) and nearing 40 home runs (36). The question is whether he and his teammates can capitalize on the Chicago pitching staff.
Key Injuries – Miguel Andujar (out); Esteury Ruiz (out)
Chicago’s Struggles Continue
The White Sox face a daunting task; they risk becoming the most defeated team in modern MLB history unless they can avoid seven more losses. Entering this series, they held a dismal 1-27 record in their last 28 home games, which includes a troubling 15-game losing streak. Fortunately for Chicago, their AL record-tying 21-game losing streak was broken against the Athletics. On Saturday, Chris Flexen will take the mound, aiming for a rare win. He ended his own 21-start streak of losses in his last appearance. Flexen has shown improvement, not allowing more than three runs in his last four starts, with an ERA of 4.26 at home. However, his bullpen is struggling, ranked 29th in ERA, 28th in FIP, and 28th in WAR. Can the White Sox find a way to defeat Oakland again?
This season, the White Sox have averaged a meager 3.07 runs per game, making them the lowest-scoring team in the league. Their offensive struggles extend to being last in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and home runs. They also rank 29th in batting average and walk rate, while sitting 26th in stolen-base percentage and 22nd in strikeout rate. Fans are left wondering what this lineup will produce on Saturday.
Key Injuries – Yoan Moncada (out); Brooks Baldwin (out)
Strategic Betting Insights for Athletics vs. White Sox
Chris Flexen has taken the mound for the White Sox 30 times this season, with 80% of those games ending in multi-run defeats. His ERA has ballooned to 6.17 in the second half of the season. The White Sox bullpen’s performance ranks among the worst in MLB. Given Oakland’s knack for drawing walks and hitting home runs, they are positioned to score significantly on Saturday evening.
