Cincinnati Reds vs Oakland Athletics Picks and Predictions August 27th 2024

Reds, Alexis Diaz seek bounce-back series vs. A’s

One of the standout performers for the Cincinnati Reds this season has been closer Alexis Diaz. However, Diaz is coming off a rare stumble, having given up a walk-off two-run homer to Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Yasmani Grandal in a 4-3 loss on Sunday. This marked just the third blown save in 27 opportunities for Diaz, whose reliability has been a bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent season for the Reds.

Despite the setback, Reds manager David Bell remains confident in Diaz’s ability to bounce back. “He has been so good in those spots, so you hate to see Alexis go through it,” Bell said. “Alexis has been through it before, so he’ll bounce back, but obviously he’s not happy with it.”

Cincinnati Reds: Fighting to Stay in Playoff Contention

The Reds have faced a rough patch lately, losing three of their last four games and seven of their last ten. These losses have significantly impacted their playoff hopes, leaving them 7.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves for the final National League wild-card spot, with four teams standing in their way.

Adding to the Reds’ challenges is the ongoing absence of middle infielder Matt McLain. McLain, who has been out all season following shoulder surgery in late March, had been targeting a return in mid-August. Unfortunately, a setback earlier this month has delayed his comeback indefinitely. McLain’s absence is particularly felt as the Reds look for a spark to reignite their season.

Oakland Athletics: Gaining Momentum

In contrast, the Oakland Athletics are entering the series with a boost of confidence following a gritty 4-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday. After conceding an early two-run homer, the A’s responded with a four-run fourth inning, which proved decisive.

“It was a fun win,” said A’s second baseman Zack Gelof. “Down two in the series, to come out, get punched in the mouth with the homer, we came back to win with situational baseball and good pitching from top to bottom.”

The Athletics’ ability to execute situational hitting rather than relying solely on home runs has been a key focus for manager Mark Kotsay, particularly since the All-Star break. “We’ve done a better job post-All-Star break, of not relying just strictly on the home run to win games,” Kotsay said. “That’s a part of the offense that we talk about, that we work on in (batting practice).”

Pitching Matchup: A Test of Endurance

The Athletics will start rookie right-hander Mitch Spence in the series opener. Spence (7-9, 4.67 ERA) has had a challenging August, going 0-3 in four starts with a 5.57 ERA. However, he showed resilience in his most recent outing against the Tampa Bay Rays, where he struck out a career-high 10 batters over seven innings, despite ultimately taking the loss.

Reflecting on that game, Spence noted the opportunity for growth: “They gave me an opportunity to go out there and figure it out and learn from it, and get kicked down and get back up.”

As of the article’s publication, the Reds had not yet announced their starting pitcher for the series opener, adding an element of uncertainty to the matchup.

Looking Ahead: A Critical Series for Both Teams

As the Reds and Athletics prepare to face off, both teams are at critical junctures in their seasons. For the Reds, this series represents a chance to turn the tide and keep their fading playoff hopes alive. For the Athletics, continuing to build momentum could offer valuable experience for their younger players and set a positive tone for the remainder of the season.

The outcome of this series could hinge on the performances of key players like Diaz and Spence, both of whom are looking to rebound after recent setbacks. Their ability to perform under pressure will be crucial in determining the direction of their respective teams.

With the Reds fighting to stay in the playoff race and the Athletics looking to spoil their chances, this series promises to deliver high-stakes baseball as the season heads into its final stretch.

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