The Oakland Athletics are set to face the Houston Astros on Tuesday night, kicking off a crucial three-game series. The A’s are currently in a tight race with the Los Angeles Angels to avoid the last spot in the American League West Division. With only 18 games left in the season, they hold a narrow two-game lead over the Angels. Meanwhile, the Astros are on the verge of clinching another division title, leading the Mariners by five games in the loss column. The opening game will feature a pitching duel between Oakland’s Osvaldo Bido (5-3, 3.41) and Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti (7-12, 4.82), with the first pitch slated for 8:10 PM EST.
A’s Aim for Stability with Bido
The Oakland Athletics arrive in Houston with their eyes set on avoiding a last-place finish in the competitive American League West Division. Currently, they sit two games ahead of the Angels as the season winds down. However, the A’s have struggled recently, losing four out of their last five games, including two out of three against the Detroit Tigers this past weekend. On Sunday, Oakland suffered a tough 9-1 defeat, with the bullpen allowing six runs in the eighth inning, turning a close contest into a lopsided loss.
The A’s will send right-handed pitcher Osvaldo Bido to the mound for the series opener. Bido has shown promise this season, holding a record of 5-3 over 16 appearances, including nine starts. His current ERA stands at 3.41, with a WHIP of 1.09. He has given up only 43 hits in 63.1 innings, alongside 63 strikeouts and 26 walks. Notably, Bido has been in excellent form recently, boasting a 1.64 ERA in his last five outings, with an impressive 1.80 ERA against the Astros this season.
Injuries are a concern for the A’s, with key players such as shortstop Max Muncy, first baseman Tyler Soderstrom, and relief pitchers Gerson Moreno and Austin Adams sidelined.
Astros Look for Strength from Arrighetti
The Houston Astros are poised to solidify their lead in the AL West with a successful series against the A’s. After taking two out of three from the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Astros missed a chance for a sweep, losing 12-6 on Sunday. Veteran pitcher Justin Verlander struggled, giving up eight hits and eight runs in just three innings.
For the series opener, the Astros will turn to hard-throwing righty Spencer Arrighetti. With a record of 7-12 across 25 starts, Arrighetti has faced challenges this season, holding an ERA of 4.82 and a WHIP of 1.43. He has surrendered 119 hits in 125 innings, along with 151 strikeouts and 60 walks. His last outing was particularly rough, as he lasted only two-thirds of an inning against the Reds, allowing five hits and nine runs. Arrighetti has an ERA of 5.06 against the A’s this season, raising concerns for the Astros.
Injuries also plague the Astros, with starting pitchers Jairo Solis and Jayden Murray, along with relief pitchers Penn Murfee and Kendall Graveman, out of commission.
Betting Insights for Oakland Athletics vs. Houston Astros
The Astros are favored in this matchup, but Arrighetti’s recent struggles could present an opportunity for the A’s. His ERA against Oakland exceeds five this season, and he has allowed a concerning number of home runs. This could be a disadvantage against an A’s team that ranks high in home runs scored. Conversely, Bido’s recent form suggests he could be a strong asset for Oakland, with a sub-two ERA in his last five appearances. The A’s have seen success in three of those outings, indicating a potential upset could be on the horizon for Tuesday night.
