Athletics vs Reds Pick – MLB Predictions & Odds 4/28/23
Cincinnati Reds (11-15) vs. Oakland Athletics (5-21)
April 28, 2023 9:40 pm EDT
The Line: Oakland Athletics +120 / Cincinnati Reds -140 ; Over/Under: 7.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Cincinnati Reds and the Oakland Athletics meet Friday in MLB action from O.co Coliseum. Cincinnati is coming off a series versus the Rangers, winning all three games. As for Oakland, they played the Angels this week. After losing two of the first three games, on Thursday the A’s fell in a tough one-run result. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati managed a 7-6 win over the Rangers in the Monday series opener, then took another 7-6 win on Tuesday. In the finale the Reds made it a sweep with another victory, this time 5-3. Starter Graham Ashcraft posted 6.0 innings with two earned on three hits and four walks in that one.
For the starter gig in the Friday game the Reds will go with Luis Cessa. This year over four starts Cessa is 0-3 with a 10.80 ERA and seven Ks in 16.2 innings. He’s got a 16-21 career record with a 4.40 ERA in 205 games (33 starts).
Oakland Athletics
Over on the A’s side, they took a win over the Angels 11-10 on Monday but then lost 5-3 and 11-3 in the next pair. In the Thursday finale Oakland came back from an early 5-0 deficit but ultimately lost 8-7. Starter JP Sears went 4.1 innings with six earned on six hits and two walks.
As starting pitcher for Friday’s matchup the A’s will send out Drew Rucinski. This will be Rucinski’s season debut. In his career Rucinski is 4-4 with a 5.33 ERA over 41 games (one start). Kyle Muller will pitch the Saturday game.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I might take a stab on the Reds here, but in reality I’m likely staying away. Cessa had a rough couple of starts this month, posting 6.2 combined innings with 16 earned on 21 hits and five walks. The good news is that Cessa did better in his last outing with two earned on six hits in 4.2 innings, but still lost. It’s going to take a good start from him to put the Reds in position here. On Thursday Oakland had a couple of really big innings but also gave up a couple or really big innings themselves. The bullpen did calm down after the sixth inning, but by then the hole was too deep. I don’t think they’ll keep pace with Cincinnati in this opener either.