MLB Game Preview: Texas Rangers (70-67) vs. Athletics (63-74)

Venue & Game Info

• Date: Sunday, August 31, 2025
• First Pitch: 1:05 PM PT / 3:05 PM CT / 4:05 PM ET
• Venue: Sutter Health Park, 400 Ballpark Drive, West Sacramento, CA 95691
• Surface: Natural grass
• Broadcast: Bally Sports Southwest (TEX), NBC Sports California (OAK), MLB.TV

Weather Update

• Conditions: Outdoor venue; warm late‑summer afternoon in Sacramento.
• Forecast at First Pitch: Sunny, ~91°F (33°C), light WNW breeze 5–7 mph, humidity ~32%.
• Impact: Warm, dry air will make the ball carry — expect a slight boost to power hitting.

Injury Report

Texas Rangers:

• Josh Jung (3B) – 10‑Day IL (wrist)
• Evan Carter (OF) – 10‑Day IL (back)
• Jonah Heim (C) – 10‑Day IL (groin)
• Jacob deGrom (RHP) – 60‑Day IL (elbow)
• Tyler Mahle (RHP) – 60‑Day IL (elbow)
• Cody Bradford (LHP) – 60‑Day IL (lat)

Athletics:

• Mason Miller (RHP) – 15‑Day IL (forearm)
• Paul Blackburn (RHP) – 15‑Day IL (shoulder)
• Luis Medina (RHP) – 60‑Day IL (elbow)
• Darell Hernaiz (INF) – 60‑Day IL (shoulder)
• Lawrence Butler (OF) – 10‑Day IL (ankle)

Probable Pitchers

• TEX: RHP Merrill Kelly (10‑7, 3.20 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 147 K)
  • Coming off a shutout vs. Cleveland; road ERA 2.98.
  • Career vs. OAK: 1‑1, 3.75 ERA in 3 starts.
• OAK: RHP Mason Barnett (MLB Debut)

• Former top‑10 A’s prospect; 4.44 ERA in minors, but struggled in AAA (6.13 ERA).
• Heavy fastball/slider mix; control can be inconsistent.

Recent Form

Texas Rangers – Last 5: W‑W‑W‑W‑L

• Won 6 of last 7; averaging 6.1 runs/game in that span.
• Team batting .237 on season, .305 OBP, .387 SLG; pitching staff ERA 3.41 (4th MLB).

Athletics – Last 5: L‑L‑W‑W‑W

• Won 3 of last 5; offense averaging 5.0 runs/game in that stretch.
• Season slash line: .253 AVG, .319 OBP, .431 SLG; pitching staff ERA 4.77 (24th MLB).

Series History

• 2025 Season Series: Rangers lead 4‑0.
• Texas has won last 4 meetings by a combined score of 27‑11.
• Under is 7‑3 in last 10 head‑to‑head games.

Key Player Matchups

• Corey Seager (TEX) vs. Mason Barnett
  • Seager: .271 AVG, 21 HR, 68 RBI; elite vs. RHP (.295 AVG).
  • Barnett: Will need to keep slider down to avoid Seager’s pull power.
• Adolis García (TEX) vs. A’s Bullpen
  • García: Team‑high 72 RBI; thrives in late‑inning RBI spots.
• Tyler Soderstrom (OAK) vs. Merrill Kelly
  • Soderstrom: .272 AVG, 77 RBI; power bat in middle of order.
• Shea Langeliers (OAK) vs. Rangers Middle Relief
• Langeliers: 29 HR; dangerous if he gets a mistake fastball.

Betting Trends

Texas Rangers:

• 6‑1 in last 7 overall.
• 4‑0 last 4 vs. OAK.
• Under is 7‑3 in last 10 vs. OAK.

Athletics:

• 8‑0 last 8 as underdog following a loss.
• 2‑1 in last 3 home games vs. TEX.
• Over is 6‑4 in last 10 overall.

Suggested Wagering Model

Primary Lean: Rangers Moneyline (‑130)

• Kelly’s form + Texas’ bullpen edge + Oakland debut starter profile favor the road side.

Secondary Lean: Under 10.5 Runs (‑110)

• Kelly’s ability to limit damage + Rangers’ strong pitching staff vs. an A’s lineup that can be streaky.

Prop Angle: Corey Seager Over 1.5 Total Bases (+115)

• Hot bat, favorable matchup vs. debut RHP, and hitter‑friendly weather.