Texas Rangers vs Oakland Athletics Picks and Predictions April 28th 2025

After a rough road trip and an even rougher stretch at the plate, the Texas Rangers return home to Arlington desperately seeking a spark. Fortunately for the reigning AL West champs, the schedule makers may have delivered it, with the Oakland Athletics arriving Monday to kick off a crucial four-game series at Globe Life Field.

Monday’s matchup features two southpaws on the mound: Oakland’s JP Sears (3-2, 3.21 ERA) facing Texas’ Patrick Corbin (2-0, 3.77 ERA). Both pitchers have recent history against their opponents — but the big story revolves around whether Texas can jumpstart an offense that has gone ice-cold.

Rangers Seeking Offense After Another Tough Loss

Sunday’s 3-2 loss to the San Francisco Giants was a microcosm of the Rangers’ recent woes: an early lead, squandered opportunities, and a heartbreaking finish. Marcus Semien’s two-run single in the first inning was the only real offensive bright spot, and the team left runners in scoring position multiple times.

According to the MLB Teams page, the Rangers rank dead last in runs scored and second-to-last in on-base percentage. Their usually potent lineup has struggled to string together quality at-bats, and the pressure is mounting.

Texas has scored more than four runs just once in its past nine games — a stunning statistic for a team that boasts hitters like Corey Seager, Adolis García, and Jonah Heim.

Patrick Corbin: Quiet Strength in the Rotation

While the bats have gone silent, Patrick Corbin’s resurgence has provided a silver lining. Signed as a veteran depth piece this offseason, Corbin has delivered a 2-0 record and a 3.77 ERA through his first three starts. He’s been exactly what Texas needed: steady, durable, and capable of giving the bullpen a breather.

In his last outing, an 8-5 victory over the Athletics, Corbin allowed just two solo home runs over five innings, striking out four and walking two.

Expert analysis points out that Corbin’s increased reliance on his slider — historically his best pitch — has rejuvenated his effectiveness. He’s no longer the All-Star he once was in Washington, but for this version of the Rangers, he’s been a vital stabilizer.

Corbin is 2-0 lifetime against Oakland, with a 2.25 ERA across 12 innings. If he can continue to work efficiently and keep traffic off the bases, Texas will have a strong chance to grab Game 1.

Oakland Athletics: Scrappy, But Beat Up

While the Athletics sit just ahead of Texas in the AL West standings, they arrive in Arlington feeling much better about their recent play.

Luis Urias’ walk-off home run on Sunday lifted Oakland to a 3-2 win over the Chicago White Sox, clinching their second straight series victory.

Jacob Wilson continues to be a revelation for the A’s, providing clutch hits and strong defense. Oakland has proven capable of stealing games late — exactly how they upended Texas last week during a three-game series in West Sacramento.

According to MLB Picks, oddsmakers are viewing the Rangers as moderate favorites for Monday’s opener, but Oakland’s scrappiness makes them a dangerous underdog.

JP Sears: Rangers’ Familiar Foe

Oakland starter JP Sears is no stranger to the Texas lineup. He stymied the Rangers last week, allowing just two runs on five hits over five innings in a 5-2 win.

Sears’ success against Texas isn’t a fluke either. He’s compiled a 5-1 career record against the Rangers, with a 4.10 ERA across nine starts. His ability to mix speeds and locate his pitches low in the zone has made it difficult for Texas’ aggressive hitters to square him up.

However, as the MLB Odds page highlights, betting against Texas bouncing back at home carries risk. Globe Life Field tends to be hitter-friendly during warm spring nights, and a couple of early fireworks could finally get the Rangers’ offense rolling again.

Key Matchups to Watch

This series is loaded with interesting head-to-head battles that could determine who grabs early momentum:

JP Sears vs. Corey Seager
Seager has looked uncharacteristically impatient at the plate recently. His ability to stay disciplined against Sears’ off-speed pitches will be key.

Marcus Semien vs. Oakland’s Bullpen
Semien has been one of the few bright spots for Texas lately. His experience against Oakland’s relievers could give Texas an edge in the later innings.

Rangers’ Base Runners vs. Shea Langeliers’ Arm
Langeliers, Oakland’s talented young catcher, has one of the strongest throwing arms in baseball. Texas can’t afford to run into unnecessary outs.

Betting Insight: Is It Time to Trust the Rangers?

For bettors scanning the MLB Expert Betting Guide, this series is tricky.

The Rangers are desperate, at home, and facing a team they should beat — on paper. However, Texas’ inability to capitalize on scoring chances makes them a risky play, especially laying the -150 to -170 range prices that books are posting.

A better angle might be looking at the total runs. If Texas’ offense finally wakes up and Oakland continues its opportunistic hitting, the Over could hit easily — particularly given Arlington’s hitting conditions.

Another bet to watch: Marcus Semien Over 1.5 total bases. The veteran infielder has quietly been racking up hits, even during the team’s recent slump.

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Why This Homestand Matters So Much

The Rangers’ seven-game homestand (four against Oakland, three against Seattle) could very well define their season’s trajectory.

If Texas can find its offensive rhythm and win five or six games during this stretch, they’ll reassert themselves as a division favorite. But if the struggles continue and the losses mount, serious questions about the lineup construction — and perhaps even the coaching staff — could emerge.

Meanwhile, Oakland sees this as a golden opportunity. After a brutal start, a strong road trip could keep them competitive longer than anyone expected.

With both teams feeling urgency — but for very different reasons — expect a hard-fought series packed with drama.