The Oakland Athletics (37-55) will take on the Atlanta Braves (39-50) on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Sutter Health Park, with the first pitch slated for 10:05 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the game live on MLB Network.
The Braves find themselves in a precarious position, sitting 11 games below .500 after being swept at home by the Baltimore Orioles. This game marks a crucial point in their season as they approach the All-Star break. If they don’t manage to turn their performance around soon, they may have to consider being sellers at the trade deadline. Conversely, the Athletics are also looking for a turnaround after losing three out of their last four games, as they aim for a solid conclusion to their first half. Atlanta will start Didier Fuentes, while Jeffrey Springs will take the mound for Oakland.
In terms of predictions, the recommended bet is for the Athletics to score over 4.5 team total runs at odds of -140 with BetMGM. This points to a potential offensive boost from the A’s, given their reputation for explosive performances at home.
Examining the pitching matchups: Fuentes, a 20-year-old right-hander, has struggled in his initial outings in the MLB, holding a 9.00 ERA and a high WHIP of 1.83. While he showcased impressive strikeout numbers in Triple-A, his transition has not been smooth. In contrast, Springs holds a 4.07 ERA and has shown improvement in his performance since April, although struggles can still be expected in front of their home crowd.
Historically, the Athletics have shown stronger offensive capability at home, which could work in their favor against a Braves lineup that has not lived up to expectations against left-handers this season.
The ongoing challenges for both teams add an intriguing layer to this matchup, showcasing the Athletics’ potential for an upset against a faltering Braves squad. It could provide an opportunity for the A’s to rise to the occasion and display their offensive talent.