Everybody loves some action between the two divisions of Major League Baseball. As we enter the new week, we have an interleague battle between the Chicago Cubs (8-6) of the National League and the Oakland Athletics (3-13) of the American League.
This is a matchup between two teams that struggled in 2022, but that is only 50% true in 2023. As the MLB schedule is finally starting to heat up, it is becoming a lot easier to tell what certain MLB teams are made of. Follow along and get ready to make your Cubs vs Athletics picks.
Chicago Cubs vs. Oakland Athletics Odds
Despite the major difference between the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics in the MLB standings, the odds are a lot closer than you might have imagined. In a busy day where you can make many MLB picks, keep an eye on this one.
As the home team, the Athletics are the underdog at +125 on the moneyline and +1.5 (-140) on the spread. The Cubs are the favorites at -140 and -1.5 (+120) on the spread. In this AL vs NL game, the posted total is an even 8. Finally, Chicago’s run total is at 4.5, while Oakland’s is at 3.5.
After looking at the odds, are you ready to make your Cubs vs Athletics picks?
Chicago Cubs vs. Oakland Athletics Information
Chicago Cubs vs Oakland Athletics
Location of the Game: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, CA.
Date and Time: Monday, April 17, 2023, 9:40 PM ET.
How to Watch: NBC Sports Chicago, MLB.TV
Chicago Cubs vs Oakland Athletics Betting Preview
Chicago Cubs
In no way is this team dominating, but the Chicago Cubs record is certainly trending in the right direction. Last season was a rollercoaster for the team out of the Windy City. They played very poorly in the first half of the year but were very competitive after the all-star break. The success to end the season encouraged the front office to go on a shopping spree in the offseason, and as a result, they are 8-6 to start 2023.
The acquisitions of Dansby Swanson and Cody Bellinger have paid dividends in the early stretch of the season. Swanson leads the team in batting average at .358, while Bellinger leads the team in RBI with 10. Not to mention, Belli has only launched three home runs.
Whether the Cubs like it or not, they have to get used to California. Chicago just wrapped up a two-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and they will not play a team located outside of California until April 28.
Oakland Athletics
After going 60-102 last season, the Oakland Athletics are off to a 3-13 start in 2023. The Oakland Athletics stats and MLB player stats are not as good as their fans in the Bay Area were hoping for, but the season is just getting started. Winners of just one of their last 10 games, the Athletics would love to get something going on their home field.
This game in Oakland is going to be the opposite of a pitcher’s duel. The combined ERA for both starting pitchers is 13.02. Kyle Muller for the Athletics is coming off his worst start of the season. He allowed six earned runs against the Baltimore Orioles. The 25-year-old looks for a get-right game against the inconsistent Chicago Cubs.
Chicago Cubs vs Oakland Athletics Betting Picks
Nobody likes Monday’s, but some MLB games can make it a little better. In this Monday night matchup between the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics, it seems like the Cubs have the advantage in most areas. They are not hindered by the MLB injury report, they have far better MLB stats, they are 7-3 in their last 10 and 9-5 against the spread, but there is one major component to keep an eye on.
Finally, it is time for our Cubs vs Athletics picks. The Athletics have a better pitching matchup in this one.
Pick 1: Take Oakland +1.5 (-140) against Chicago.
Pick 2: On top of that, this game will be in the double digits. Take over 8 (-120) in what will be a high-scoring game.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.