Oakland Athletics at Chicago Cubs Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 9/17/2024 7:40 PM EST

We have your Oakland Athletics at Chicago Cubs prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Oakland Athletics hit the road to face the Chicago Cubs.

Oakland Athletics at Chicago Cubs Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Oakland Athletics +135 (Caesars) / Chicago Cubs -160 (Caesars)
Best Spread Odds: -1.5 - Oakland Athletics -160 (ESPN BET) / Chicago Cubs +135 (ESPN BET)
Best Total Odds: 8.0 - Under -108 (BetRivers) / Over -112 (BetRivers)

Game Info

Date: 9/17/2024
Time: 7:40 PM EST
Location: Wrigley Field (Chicago, Illinois)
TV: MLB.TV

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past two seasons, the Chicago Cubs and the Oakland Athletics have faced each other in three games, all of which took place in April 2023. The Cubs emerged victorious in all three encounters, consistently outperforming the Athletics. In each game, the visiting team, the Cubs, secured the win, leaving the home team, the Athletics, without a victory. The Cubs also managed to cover the spread in all three games, demonstrating their dominance over the Athletics. In terms of scoring trends, the games went over the set total twice, while one game fell under. The Cubs' offensive prowess was evident as they consistently outscored the Athletics, with a total of 26 runs across the three games compared to the Athletics' mere 3 runs.

The most recent matchup on April 19, 2023, saw the Cubs defeating the Athletics with a decisive 12-2 victory. The Cubs, favored with a moneyline of -175, showcased their offensive strength, accumulating 11 hits and 12 runs. The game remained competitive until the 6th inning when the Cubs took control, scoring four runs to break a 2-2 tie. Key plays included a triple by Patrick Wisdom and a home run by Eric Hosmer, contributing to the Cubs' commanding lead. The Athletics struggled offensively, managing only 5 hits and 2 runs, with their pitching staff allowing 12 earned runs, resulting in a high ERA of 12.00. The Cubs' pitching was effective, with an ERA of 1.00, limiting the Athletics' scoring opportunities.

In the earlier games, the Cubs continued their dominance over the Athletics. On April 18, 2023, the Cubs secured a 4-0 victory, with the game staying under the total score line. The Cubs' pitching was particularly impressive, allowing only 2 hits and no runs. The first game of the series on April 17, 2023, ended with a 10-1 win for the Cubs, who were favored with a moneyline of -139. The Cubs' offense was relentless, recording 20 hits and 10 runs, while their pitching staff held the Athletics to just 1 run. Throughout the series, the Cubs consistently demonstrated their superiority, both offensively and defensively, against the Athletics.

Oakland Athletics at Chicago Cubs Preview

As the Oakland Athletics prepare to face the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, the stakes are high for both teams, albeit for different reasons. The Cubs, currently holding a 77-73 record, are in a tight race for the final National League wild card spot, trailing the New York Mets by five games with just 12 games left in the regular season. This matchup against the Athletics presents a crucial opportunity for the Cubs to close the gap and keep their postseason hopes alive.

Shota Imanaga, the Cubs' standout rookie pitcher, has been a revelation this season. Coming off a career-high 11 strikeouts in his last outing, Imanaga has won his last five starts, boasting a 14-3 record. His ability to dominate on the mound has been a key factor in the Cubs' recent success, and his performance will be pivotal in this game. The Cubs' offense, led by Dansby Swanson, who recently tied his season high with four RBIs, has been firing on all cylinders. Swanson's three-run homer in the previous game against the Athletics was a testament to his clutch hitting, and he will be looking to continue his hot streak.

On the other side, the Athletics are struggling, having lost three consecutive games, including their recent defeat to the Cubs. With a 65-86 record, the Athletics are out of playoff contention, but they will be eager to play spoiler and end their losing streak. Brent Rooker has been a bright spot for Oakland, hitting his 38th home run of the season in the last game. However, the Athletics' pitching staff, particularly Joey Estes, who was chased early in the previous matchup, will need to step up to contain the Cubs' potent lineup.

Historically, the Cubs have had the upper hand against the Athletics, winning all three encounters last season. With the Cubs' offense in top form and Imanaga's impressive pitching, they are well-positioned to continue their dominance over Oakland. As the Cubs aim to keep their playoff dreams alive, this game promises to be a thrilling contest at Wrigley Field.

Oakland Athletics at Chicago Cubs Pick: Chicago Cubs Moneyline

The Chicago Cubs are poised to continue their dominance over the Oakland Athletics, making them the clear choice for the moneyline pick in this matchup. The Cubs have been in excellent form, as evidenced by their recent 9-2 victory over the Athletics, where Shota Imanaga delivered a stellar performance on the mound. Imanaga, a standout rookie, struck out a career-high 11 batters and has been a key factor in the Cubs' recent success, winning his last five starts and boasting an impressive 14-3 record. His ability to control the game from the mound will be crucial as the Cubs look to close the gap in the National League wild card race.

Offensively, the Cubs have been firing on all cylinders, with Dansby Swanson leading the charge. Swanson's three-run homer in the previous game against the Athletics was a testament to his clutch hitting, and he tied his season high with four RBIs. The Cubs' lineup, featuring Isaac Paredes and Miguel Amaya, who both had three hits and two RBIs in the last game, has been relentless, amassing 18 hits in their recent victory. This offensive prowess, combined with Imanaga's dominant pitching, positions the Cubs as the favorites in this matchup.

In contrast, the Athletics have struggled, losing three consecutive games, including their recent defeat to the Cubs. While Brent Rooker has been a bright spot for Oakland with his 38th home run of the season, the Athletics' pitching staff has been unable to contain the Cubs' potent lineup. Joey Estes, who was chased early in the previous matchup, will need to significantly improve to give the Athletics a fighting chance.

Historically, the Cubs have had the upper hand against the Athletics, winning all three encounters last season. With the Cubs' offense in top form and Imanaga's impressive pitching, they are well-positioned to continue their dominance over Oakland. As the Cubs aim to keep their playoff dreams alive, betting on the Chicago Cubs moneyline is a sound choice for this thrilling contest at Wrigley Field.

Oakland Athletics at Chicago Cubs Top Player Prop Picks

Shota Imanaga Over 6.5 Strikeouts -136 (BetRivers)

Shota Imanaga has been a revelation for the Chicago Cubs this season, and his recent performances make the over on his strikeouts a compelling pick. In his last outing, Imanaga struck out a career-high 11 batters, showcasing his ability to dominate opposing lineups. With a 14-3 record and having won his last five starts, Imanaga's confidence and form are at an all-time high. The Athletics have struggled offensively, losing three consecutive games, which further supports the likelihood of Imanaga continuing his strikeout prowess. Given his recent success and the Athletics' current form, betting on Imanaga to exceed 6.5 strikeouts is a strong proposition.

Dansby Swanson Over 0.5 Runs Scored +100 (DraftKings)

Dansby Swanson has been a key offensive contributor for the Cubs, and his recent performances suggest he is poised to score again. In the previous game against the Athletics, Swanson hit a three-run homer and tied his season high with four RBIs, highlighting his ability to impact the scoreboard. With the Cubs' offense firing on all cylinders and Swanson's knack for clutch hitting, the over on 0.5 runs scored is an attractive option. The Cubs' lineup has been relentless, and Swanson's position within it ensures he will have ample opportunities to cross the plate, making this prop a solid choice.

Brent Rooker Over 1.5 Total Bases +120 (bet365)

Brent Rooker has been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season for the Athletics, and his power at the plate makes the over on total bases a viable pick. Rooker hit his 38th home run of the season in the last game against the Cubs, demonstrating his ability to accumulate bases quickly. Despite the Athletics' struggles, Rooker's individual performance has been consistent, and his recent form suggests he can continue to deliver. With the Cubs' pitching staff focusing on other threats, Rooker may find opportunities to capitalize and exceed 1.5 total bases, making this prop a worthwhile consideration.