The Athletics (61-94) and Cleveland Guardians (80-75) meet tonight, with the game set to start at 1:40 p.m. ET at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. The game will be broadcast live on CLEG and can be traded on Kalshi.
The Guardians are favored by -1.5 against the spread, with the over/under set at 7.5. The Guardians are the preferred trading option, while the Athletics will be looking to pull off an upset.
Let's get into my Athletics vs. Guardians predictions and picks, and be sure to download the Action Network app for more picks and analysis.
Athletics vs. Guardians Predictions, Odds
Athletics vs. Guardians Pick
Athletics vs. Guardians Pick: Gavin Williams 8+ Strikeouts (52%, Kalshi)
Athletics vs. Guardians Analysis, Prediction
The Guardians' pitching lab strikes again! It's been a masterful campaign for Gavin Williams, who needed to refine his command and did so. That's led to the fireballing righty posting a 3.77 ERA with a career-best 12.1 K/9 and a career-low 2.90 BB/9.
I love the idea of getting plus-money on Williams to get 8+ strikeouts. He punched out 8+ hitters in eight of his last 12 outings. Williams left no doubt that he'd reach that many Ks in those games, punching out 10+ in each one.
The Athletics are 15th in strikeout rate since August 15th, but the upper half of the lineup has plenty of strikeout options.
Henry Bolte leads off and strikes out 28% of the time, while Lawrence Butler, Shea Langeliers, and Zach Gelof also have poor strikeout rates.
With the fiery fastball, the nasty curve, and how important this game is to Cleveland, I expect Williams to reach eight K's to cash our plus-money bet.
Athletics vs Cleveland Guardians Trade: Gavin Williams 8+ Strikeouts (52%, Kalshi)
