MLB Game Preview: Texas Rangers (69-67) vs. Athletics (63-73)

Game & Venue Details

• Date & Time: Saturday, August 30, 2025 – First Pitch 10:05 p.m. ET / 7:05 p.m. PT
• Venue: Sutter Health Park, 400 Ballpark Drive, West Sacramento, CA 95691
• Surface: Natural grass
• Broadcast: MLB Network, NBCS-CA, RSN

Weather Outlook

• First Pitch Forecast: ~78°F, clear skies, humidity ~52%, winds WSW 6–8 mph
• Impact: Mild breeze toward left-center; minimal effect on ball flight in a park that plays neutral for HRs but rewards gap power

Injury Report

Texas Rangers

• Out: Corey Seager (appendectomy, 10-day IL), Marcus Semien (fractured foot, 10-day IL), Evan Carter (wrist, 60-day IL), Nathan Eovaldi (rotator cuff, 15-day IL), Jake Burger (wrist, 10-day IL), Jon Gray (shoulder, 15-day IL), Chris Martin (calf, 15-day IL), Tyler Mahle (shoulder, 60-day IL), Cody Bradford (elbow, 60-day IL), Josh Sborz (shoulder, 60-day IL), Sam Haggerty (oblique, 10-day IL), Cole Winn (nerve, 15-day IL)
• Impact: Missing both All-Star middle infielders; rotation depth tested

Athletics

• Out: Nick Kurtz (oblique, day-to-day), Denzel Clarke (abductor, 10-day IL), Max Muncy (hand, 10-day IL), Joey Estes (back, 15-day IL), Jacob Lopez (flexor, 15-day IL), Ben Bowden (lat, 15-day IL), Jack Perkins (shoulder, 15-day IL), Luis Severino (oblique, 15-day IL), Austin Wynns (abdomen, 60-day IL), Grant Holman (shoulder, 60-day IL), Gunnar Hoglund (hip, 60-day IL), Jose Leclerc (shoulder, 60-day IL), Luis Medina (elbow, 60-day IL)
• Impact: Potential absence of rookie slugger Kurtz would be a major blow to middle-order production

Projected Starting Pitchers

Key Player Matchups

• Adolis García (TEX) – 72 RBI; 9-for-20 with 2 HR, 4 2B in 5 games before series opener
• Wyatt Langford (TEX) – .252 AVG, 19 HR, 18 SB; 12% BB rate, 26.9% K rate
• Jonah Heim (TEX) – HR in opener; switch-hitter with .450 SLG vs. RHP in August
• Brent Rooker (OAK) – .269 AVG, 26 HR, 77 RBI; 3-game hit streak
• Tyler Soderstrom (OAK) – .272 AVG, 23 HR, 77 RBI; .471 SLG
• Shea Langeliers (OAK) – 29 HR; .286 AVG in last 5 games with 5 RBI

Recent Team Form

Rangers (Last 10): 7–3, .283 AVG, 2.97 ERA, +34 run diff

• Won 6 of last 7; outscored opponents 51–15 in that span

Athletics (Last 10): 7–3, .238 AVG, 3.36 ERA, +13 run diff

• Swept DET before dropping opener to TEX; bullpen 2.95 ERA in span

Series History

• 2025 Season: Rangers lead 6–5
• All-Time: Athletics lead 515–499 (.508)
• Recent Trend: Rangers have won 5 of last 6 meetings, outscoring OAK 32–14 in those wins

Betting Trends

• Rangers: 44–25 as favorite (63.8% win rate); 30–15 when favored at –131 or shorter; Over in 59 of 136 games; 6–4 ATS last 10
• Athletics: 47–56 as underdog (45.6% win rate); 33–45 when +110 or longer; Over in 66 of 136 games; 8–2 ATS last 10
• Over is 6–4 in last 10 H2H matchups

Suggested Wagering Model

Model Inputs:

• SP splits (Kelly’s 3.20 ERA vs. Barnett’s MLB debut uncertainty)
• Team wRC+ last 14 days (TEX 119, OAK 104)
• Bullpen ERA last 30 days (TEX 3.42, OAK 4.78)
• Park factor for doubles/triples (Sutter Health Park plays slightly large in alleys)
• Recent scoring trends & injuries to key bats