by Chuck Sommers
Monday, Sep 06, 2021
Game time: 9:40 p.m. ET
Venue: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Where to watch: NBCSCH, NBCSCA, MLB Network
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: White Sox -110, A’s -110
BetMGM: NL
Caesars: NL
Season record
White Sox: 79-58 (1st place, AL Central)
Athletics: 74-63 (3rd place, AL West)
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White Sox - Athletics preview and analysis
Recent form
White Sox: 6-4 in last 10
Athletics: Lost 3 straight
A shocking three-game sweep at the hands of the Toronto Blue Jays has the Oakland Athletics in a tight spot right now.
That alone is why we like the Chicago White Sox in this spot when they begin a three-game series on the road.
The White Sox are coming off losing two of three over the weekend to the Kansas City Royals in what was otherwise a lackluster time for Chicago in Kaufmann Stadium.
But despite scoring two total runs in the two losses to Kansas City, the Athletics are feeling more of the effects of a letdown after what transpired in Toronto. In a must-win series to keep pace for the second wild-card spot, Oakland blew a six-run lead on Friday and had to score five in the ninth to keep the game respectable.
Then Sunday, the Blue Jays blanked Oakland 8-0 for its fourth loss and five games. The A’s not only failed to gain ground on the Boston Red Sox, but allowed the Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners to surpass them in the standings. Oakland trails the Houston Astros by 5.5 games for first place in the American League West.
There is validity to the theory in teams that are either comfortable with where they’re at, versus teams that are fighting to make the playoffs. And while the White Sox aren’t thrilled with how things transpired over the weekend, they’re still in a better spot than the A’s. Oakland hasn’t shown to be reliable with adversity in its face, and should be considered a risky play going forward.
Prediction
The White Sox at time of publishing have yet to name a starting pitcher, but they should be able to bounce back regardless of who is on the mound. Chicago will face James Kaprielian, who has allowed 10 earned runs in his last two starts. We feel good about the White Sox’s bats getting back to business against a starter who has struggled. White Sox win 8-3.
Betting trends
The White Sox are 7-2 the game after being shut out this season.
The Athletics are 10-4 following their fourth loss in five games.
Key injuries
White Sox: SP Lucas Giolito (10-day IL), SP Carlos Rodon (day-to-day), CF Tim Anderson (10-day IL)
Athletics: SP Frankie Montas (day-to-day)
Players to watch
White Sox: Chicago is only 11-10 in its last 21 games, but that hasn’t slowed down Jose Abreu. The former AL MVP is batting .337 in the last 21 game and has five homers to go with 18 RBI.
Athletics: One reason why Oakland has cooled significantly is their top bat has been quiet. Matt Olson has only two homers since Aug. 19 and is batting .241.
Projected lineup
White Sox:
Luis Robert (R) CF
Yoan Moncada (S) 3B
Jose Abreu (R) DH
Eloy Jimenez (R) LF
Brian Goodwin (L) RF
Leury Garcia (S) 2B
Gavin Sheets (L) 1B
Danny Mendick (R) SS
Seby Zavala (R) C
Athletics:
Josh Harrison (R) 2B
Starling Marte (R) CF
Matt Olson (L) 1B
Matt Chapman (R) 3B
Mark Canha (R) LF
Yan Gomes (R) C
Khris Davis (R) DH
Chad Pinder (R) RF
Elvis Andrus (R) SS
Statistical leaders
White Sox:
Batting average: Tim Anderson (.302)
Hits: Tim Anderson (140)
Home runs: Jose Abreu (28)
RBI: Jose Abreu (103)
Stolen bases: Tim Anderson (17)
Wins: Dylan Cease & Carlos Rodon (11)
Saves: Liam Hendriks (32)
ERA: Carlos Rodon (2.41)
Athletics:
Batting average: Matt Olson (.274)
Hits: Matt Olson (130)
Home runs: Matt Olson (32)
RBI: Matt Olson (89)
Stolen bases: Starling Marte (42)
Wins: Chris Bassitt (12)
Saves: Lou Trivino (21)
ERA: Chris Bassitt (3.22)
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Chuck Sommers
About the Author:
Chuck Sommers has camped outside of sportsbooks since he can remember, learning the tricks and nuances of the trade. He still has nightmares of betting $5,000 on the Raiders in the Tuck Rule game but has since turned that to 25 years of veteran handicapping greatness. You can find him mostly in the shadows at the Red Rock or Aliante casinos wondering if the over is cashing on any given Sunday.
