The Houston Astros (72-41) will host the Oakland Athletics (41-71) on Friday in the opening contests of a three-game series. Although Houston has been the superior team this year, the season series is tied 6-6 and Oakland has won the last four head-to-head contests. At the time of this preview, the Astros were a commanding -310 favorite, and the A's are a +275 underdog.
The A's trail Houston by 30.5 games, and have the worst record in the American League. After sweeping the Astros in Oakland in a three game series from July 25-27, the A's are 2-9 in their last 11 games. They lost their fifth straight game on Wednesday falling 5-4 to the Los Angeles Angels in 12 innings.
FINAL: OAK 4 | LAA 5 pic.twitter.com/bo6o9CpUQa
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) August 10, 2022
The Oakland A's are in the bottom-four offensively in home runs hit, runs scored, batting average, and OPS. The Oakland pitching staff is 23rd with a 4.23 ERA, but they traded one of their top arms in Frankie Montas at the deadline.
Adam Oller (1-5, 7.63 ERA) is scheduled to start on Friday. In eight road appearances, including four starts he is 0-2 with a 6.65 ERA.