Houston Astros vs Oakland Athletics Picks and Predictions May 28th 2025

Astros’ Lance McCullers Jr. Aims to Continue Success vs. A’s

The Houston Astros are surging, and right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. is looking to keep that momentum going on Wednesday as they close out a two-game home set against the Oakland Athletics.

Houston throttled Oakland 11-1 on Tuesday, showing flashes of the dominant offense fans have grown accustomed to — all without slugger Yordan Alvarez, who remains on the 15-day injured list with right hand inflammation. Tuesday marked Alvarez’s 23rd consecutive missed game, although signs are pointing toward a return.

“If he feels like the work that we have done in the cage, off the machine, and stuff like that, and he’s ready to play … we can put him in there,” Astros manager Joe Espada said, signaling cautious optimism.

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McCullers Jr. Eyes Familiar Foe

McCullers (0-1, 6.57 ERA) is expected to make his fifth start of the season after battling through a long injury recovery. While still finding his rhythm, McCullers struck out eight in 4 1/3 innings during a 9-2 win over Seattle in his last outing.

Facing Oakland could be just what he needs to build confidence. Over 14 career starts against the Athletics, McCullers holds a 7-3 record and a solid 3.23 ERA — third-most appearances versus any team in his career. He was dominant in their last meeting in 2022, striking out 11 over six innings while allowing just two runs.

Severino’s Skid Continues

On the mound for the A’s will be Luis Severino (1-4, 4.11 ERA), who is looking to snap a frustrating winless streak. The right-hander has gone 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA over his last six starts, despite some strong individual performances, including a recent six-inning, two-run effort against the Angels.

Severino hasn’t fared particularly well against Houston throughout his career, owning a 2-4 record and a 4.96 ERA across 10 appearances. He was roughed up by the Astros last June while with the Mets, allowing four runs in seven innings.

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“Lopez did a great job in his start filling in for J.T. Ginn,” said A’s manager Mark Kotsay regarding Jacob Lopez, who is expected to start Thursday in Toronto. “At this point, he’s earned another opportunity.”

With McCullers’ historical edge over Oakland and Severino’s inconsistent form, Wednesday’s matchup could tilt in Houston’s favor — especially if the Astros’ bats stay hot and McCullers finds his rhythm early.

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