San Francisco Giants vs Oakland Athletics Picks and Predictions July 31st 2024

Giants, Athletics adjust players’ roles following roster moves

The forecast for Wednesday’s matchup between the Athletics and Giants calls for temperatures in the mid 60s and partly cloudy skies in San Francisco. First pitch from Oracle Park is set for 9:45 PM ET, and NSPCA is carrying the game on TV.

San Francisco is the heavy favorite on the money line, with their odds sitting at -213 compared to the Athletics at +179. The over/under line is currently at 8 runs, and Logan Webb will be starting for the Giants, while the Athletics are going with Ross Stripling. Oakland is 5th in the AL West, and the Giants are 4th in the NL West.

Oakland vs. San Francisco Key Information

• Teams: Athletics at Giants
• Where: Oracle Park San Francisco
• Date: Wednesday, July 31st
• Betting Odds SF -213 | OAK +179 O/U 8

The Athletics Can Win If…

Ross Stripling gets the start for the Athletics today as he faces the Giants on the road. So far this season, he has made 12 starts and has a record of 2-9. Stripling’s ERA is currently 6.02, and he has pitched much better on the road, coming in with a record of 1-4 and an ERA of 6.05. At home, his ERA is 9.16. Stripling’s last outing came on July 25th, where he picked up the win, going 5 2/3 innings and giving up five earned runs. Before that, he had lost three straight starts.

As a team, the Athletics are batting just .232 this season, which is 18th in the league. However, they do have the 4th most home runs in the league and have the 6th best isolated power mark in the league. Oakland is averaging 4.2 runs per game and have been better at home, where they are averaging 4.6 runs per contest.

Over the team’s last nine games, Brent Rooker has been on a tear, going 11/35 with four homers and 12 RBIs. For the season, he is batting .297 with a team-high 77 RBIs. Rooker’s 26 homers is also the best mark on the team and 6th best in the league. Shea Langeliers is 2nd on the team with 20 homers but is batting just .217 for the season.

• The Athletics are 7-3 in their last ten games.
• Over their last five games, the Athletics are 2-3 vs. the run line.
• Oakland has an over/under record of 6-4 in their last ten games.
• The Athletics have an average of 5.0 runs per game over their last five games.
• Across their last ten road games, the Athletics are 7-3
• Looking back across the Athletics last five games as the favorite, they are 3-2
• Oakland has gone 2-1 in their last three games as the underdog
• In their ten most recent road games, the Athletics have averaged 5.9 runs per game on offense

The Giants Can Win If…

Giants starter Logan Webb finished with a no-decision in his last outing, giving up four earned runs in five innings of work. This outing came against the Dodgers. Before that, he had given up at least four earned runs in three straight starts. Webb’s ERA for the season is 3.72, along with a record of 7-8. Opponents are batting .265 off the right-hander this season. Webb has made 22 appearances this year and turned in 14 quality starts. Per nine innings, he is averaging 7.65 strikeouts and 2.33 walks.

Heading into today’s game, the Giants are averaging 4.4 runs per game, which is 15th in the league. This includes averaging 4.5 runs per game at home. Overall, they are batting .245 as a team, which is 11th in the MLB. The Giants are also 5th in the league in walks and have a collective on-base percentage of .316.

Both Matt Chapman and Jorge Soler come into the game with a batting average of .240 this season. Chapman is 1st on the team with 15 homers, and Soler is 2nd with 12. Soler has been hot of late, going 11/20 in his last six games. Heliot Ramos is also batting well for the Giants, with a team-high 53 RBIs and a batting average of .293.

• The Giants are 6-4 in their last ten games.
• Over their last five games, the Giants are 3-2 vs. the run line.
• San Francisco has an over/under record of 4-6 in their last ten games.
• The Giants have an average of 5.4 runs per game over their last five games.
• Across their last ten home games, the Giants are 3-7
• Looking back across the Giants last five games as the favorite, they are 4-1
• San Francisco has gone 1-2 in their last three games as the underdog
• In their ten most recent road games, the Giants have averaged 3.7 runs per game on offense

The Lean

For a money line pick, our lean would be to take the Giants to come out on top. And as for how we would play the over/under line, we would go with the over, as this is our highest projected scoring game of the day. The Giants offense is our top projected home run-hitting team in the league today, and Logan Webb is 18th among today’s starters in our projections in terms of strikeouts.

The Giants and Athletics, two baseball powerhouses, recently adjusted their player roles following significant roster moves. As they clash in the Bay Bridge Series, both teams aim to solidify their standings and test their new lineups. This article delves into the strategic adjustments, key player performances, and managerial decisions shaping this exciting rivalry.

Giants and Athletics Adjust Player Roles

Giants’ Lineup Changes

Tyler Fitzgerald Steps Up

With Jorge Soler traded to the Atlanta Braves, the Giants faced a crucial gap in their lineup. Manager Bob Melvin turned to Tyler Fitzgerald, moving the hot-hitting player to the leadoff spot. However, Fitzgerald struggled, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, highlighting the challenges of finding the right fit post-trade.

Marco Luciano’s Promising Debut

Promoted from Triple-A, Marco Luciano took over Soler’s designated hitter role. The 22-year-old prospect showcased his potential by going 1-for-3 with a double. Luciano’s flexibility to slot into various positions offers the Giants much-needed versatility.

Athletics’ Pitching Adjustments

Adapting Without Lucas Erceg

The Athletics traded set-up man Lucas Erceg to the Kansas City Royals, prompting manager Mark Kotsay to reconfigure his bullpen strategy. With key relievers unavailable, Kotsay relied on Scott Alexander, Austin Adams, and Tyler Ferguson to close out the game. Despite mixed results, Ferguson managed to strike out LaMonte Wade Jr., securing a crucial win for the A’s.

Strategic Adjustments

San Francisco’s Lineup Experimentation

Bob Melvin’s decision to move Fitzgerald to the leadoff spot and insert Luciano as the designated hitter reflects a proactive approach to adapting the lineup. This strategy aims to maximize the team’s offensive potential while accommodating new talent.

Oakland’s Bullpen Reshuffle

Mark Kotsay’s tactical shift in bullpen management demonstrates adaptability. By trusting relievers like Ferguson in high-pressure situations, Kotsay shows confidence in his team’s depth and resilience.

Key Player Performances

Marco Luciano Shines

Luciano’s strong debut as the designated hitter underscores the Giants’ strategic move to create opportunities for promising prospects. His performance hints at a bright future and the potential long-term benefits of the trade.

Tyler Fitzgerald’s Challenges

Fitzgerald’s struggles in the leadoff spot highlight the immediate challenges the Giants face. Finding the right lineup configuration remains critical for San Francisco’s success post-Soler trade.

Managerial Decisions

Bob Melvin’s Strategic Moves

Melvin’s lineup changes, including promoting Luciano and repositioning Fitzgerald, reflect his adaptability and forward-thinking approach. These decisions aim to balance immediate performance needs with long-term player development.

Mark Kotsay’s Bullpen Strategy

Kotsay’s handling of the bullpen, particularly in the absence of Erceg, showcases his tactical acumen. By effectively utilizing Alexander, Adams, and Ferguson, Kotsay ensures the team remains competitive despite key losses.

Emotional and Psychological Factors

Athletics’ Growing Confidence

The Athletics’ recent performance boost, winning nine of their last 12 games, highlights a team beginning to believe in itself. Kotsay’s remarks about the team’s confidence and enjoyment of their success underscore the psychological momentum driving their improved performance.

Contextual Background

Bay Bridge Series Significance

The Bay Bridge Series holds special significance, particularly with the Athletics’ impending move to Sacramento. This temporary geographic rivalry adds excitement and narrative depth to the matchups, enhancing the stakes for both teams.

Conclusion

The Giants and Athletics’ recent roster moves and role adjustments are reshaping their team dynamics. As they continue to face off in the Bay Bridge Series, the strategic decisions, player performances, and psychological factors will play crucial roles in determining their success. This evolving rivalry promises to offer thrilling baseball and insights into the art of team management.

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