Oakland Athletics at Texas Rangers 8/18/22 - MLB Picks & Predictions

AL West Division foes will square off on Thursday afternoon, when the Oakland Athletics face the Texas Rangers from Globe Life Field. The Athletics (43-75) have played better on the road this season and own the worst overall record in the American League. Last night, C Sean Murphy homered twice and drove in three runs to power Oakland to a 7-1 road triumph against Texas.

Rookie left-hander Zach Logue (3-6 5.49 ERA) will make his ninth career major league start. Oakland has dropped four of Logue’s last five starts and he has surrendered 21 earned runs over his last 23 plus innings.

The Texas Rangers spent over $500 million dollars to improve their club during the offseason and fired manager Chris Woodward earlier this week. On Wednesday, Texas SP Cole Ragans (0-2) gave up three runs in five innings and took the loss. SS Corey Seager had a pair of hits and scored a run for the Rangers, who fell to a disappointing 52-65 on the year.

The Rangers will turn to talented right-hander Dane Dunning (2-6 4.12 ERA) in the series finale. Texas has won Dunning’s last three starts and he has allowed five runs over his last 17 plus frames.