MLB Game Preview: Atlanta Braves (39-50) vs. Athletics (37-55)

Matchup: Atlanta Braves (39–50) vs. Oakland Athletics (37–55)
Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Time: 10:05 PM ET
Venue: Sutter Health Park, West Sacramento, CA
Broadcast: MLB Network, Bally Sports Southeast, NBC Sports California
Streaming: FuboTV, MLB.TV (regional restrictions apply)

Game Overview

The Atlanta Braves and Oakland Athletics open a three-game interleague series Tuesday night, both teams looking to reverse recent struggles. The Braves have dropped four straight and nine of their last 11, while the Athletics have lost three of their last four. Atlanta is 11 games under .500 and fading from the NL Wild Card race, while Oakland is trying to build momentum behind a young core.

This is the first meeting of the season between the two clubs.

Starting Pitchers

• Fuentes, a 20-year-old rookie, is making his fourth MLB start. He’s shown flashes of potential but has struggled with command and hard contact, allowing 3 HR in just 12.2 IP.
• Springs has been steady for Oakland, averaging 5.4 IP per start with 8 quality outings. He’s held opponents to a .228 average and has a 3.18 ERA in five career relief appearances vs. Atlanta.

Key Players to Watch

Atlanta Braves

• Matt Olson: 17 HR, 58 RBI – Former A’s slugger returns to face his old team
• Ronald Acuña Jr.: .331 AVG, 9 HR – Leads Braves in batting average and OBP
• Sean Murphy: 4 HR, 10 RBI in last 10 games – Heating up at the plate

Athletics

• Brent Rooker: 18 HR, 49 RBI – Leads team in both categories, 20th in MLB in HR
• Jacob Wilson: .335 AVG – Rookie All-Star shortstop, top 10 in AL batting average
• Lawrence Butler: .253 AVG, 11 HR, 14 SB – Power-speed threat with 24 doubles

Team Stats & Trends

• The Braves have scored just 2.5 runs per game over their last 10 contests.
• The Athletics are 32–9 when they out-hit their opponents.
• Atlanta is 2–8 against the spread in their last 10 games.