Athletics vs Chicago White Sox Prediction & Picks - MLB

Prediction published on 4/17/26, 6:31 PM  by Carlos Zabala | Modified on 4/18/26 at 6:50 PM in MLB Picks

On Thursday, both the Athletics and the White Sox played day games, both of which ended in disappointment as they squandered their leads heading into the ninth inning. Chicago's closer, Dominguez, failed to secure the win, and the Athletics' Sterner also struggled, allowing four earned runs to the Rangers and suffering his second loss of the season. These two teams will be looking for immediate revenge when they face off in West Sacramento.

The White Sox had started with enthusiasm, but what many predicted is now happening: a season taking a turn for the worse for them. With a 6-13 record, they have already lost twice as many games as they have won. Pitching is the main cause of this latest debacle, as their collective ERA is 5.02, and they will now enter a hitter's park like Sutter Health Park, so the forecast is for more runs to be lost. As for home runs, it's a good opportunity to hit some against the A's; Incoming Japanese pitcher Murakami continues to lead them in that aspect with 5.

Meanwhile, the Athletics remain at 10-9 atop the AL West division; after winning Rookie of the Year, they'll be looking for a breakout season for Nick Kurtz, who hasn't shaken off his slow start and is batting. 186.