Miami Marlins vs Oakland Athletics Picks and Predictions May 3rd 2025

Oakland Athletics Riding High with Confidence and Momentum

The Athletics meet Marlins on Saturday afternoon aiming to capture their fourth straight series win—and this young, energized Oakland squad has every reason to feel confident.

Having won eight of their last ten games and standing just two games behind the AL West-leading Seattle Mariners, the Athletics have surprised many with their impressive surge. They’re also the best road team in MLB, owning a league-best 12-6 record away from home.

“We’re playing with some confidence right now,” said manager Mark Kotsay following Friday’s 6-1 series-opening win in Miami. “This group is young, hungry, and starting to believe in what they’re building together.”

Gunnar Hoglund’s Dream Debut Energizes the A’s

One of the biggest stories from Friday’s win was the spectacular MLB debut of Gunnar Hoglund, a 25-year-old right-hander acquired in the 2022 trade that sent Matt Chapman to the Blue Jays.

Hoglund pitched six strong innings, allowing just one run on six hits, striking out seven, and walking none. From the first pitch, he looked composed and focused, despite the magnitude of the moment.

“Outstanding performance by the young man,” Kotsay added. “From the first pitch, he looked locked in. You couldn’t tell it was his debut.”

With his family watching from the stands in Dunedin, Fla., Hoglund delivered a memorable outing, thanking teammates and coaches afterward for their support.

“You know it’s not just another game—it’s your first one,” Hoglund reflected. “I just wanted to make a good impression, and I’m glad I had everything working today.”

Marlins Slide Continues as Skid Hits Six

On the other side, the Miami Marlins find themselves in a troubling spot. After Friday’s loss, they’ve now dropped six straight games, despite flashes of individual brilliance.

Eric Wagaman collected three hits, and Dane Myers launched a solo home run in the sixth inning. But those sparks weren’t enough to overcome Oakland’s strong performance.

Manager Clayton McCullough had this to say about Hoglund:

“You tip your cap to someone when they pitch like that. He earned it.”

Key Pitching Matchup: Max Meyer vs. Osvaldo Bido

Saturday’s pitching matchup is shaping up to be a tightly contested duel between two right-handers with a lot to prove.

Max Meyer, Miami’s bright young ace, enters the game with a 2-3 record and a 3.18 ERA. He ranks among the National League’s top ten in strikeouts and is fresh off a dominant performance where he struck out 14 batters over six shutout innings.

Meanwhile, Osvaldo Bido continues to impress for Oakland. Though his overall ERA is 4.31, he’s been fantastic on the road this season, going 2-0 with a 2.30 ERA. He’s also held the Marlins to a 1.86 ERA in previous appearances, making him a formidable foe for Miami’s lineup.

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Injury Concerns: Otto Lopez Goes Down

The Marlins’ injury woes worsened when second baseman Otto Lopez exited Friday’s game after the first inning due to a twisted ankle. According to McCullough, the injury didn’t occur during gameplay but while Lopez was coming off the field.

“We’ll know more once it’s evaluated further,” said McCullough. “It wasn’t an in-game incident—it just twisted as he was coming off.”

Lopez’s absence could impact Miami’s already struggling offense and defensive infield rotation. Don’t miss out on our Daily Baseball Picks from MLB Expert Handicappers

Final Thoughts: Who Has the Edge?

As the Athletics meet Marlins again on Saturday, the momentum is firmly on Oakland’s side. With rising stars like Gunnar Hoglund stepping up and reliable arms like Osvaldo Bido performing well on the road, the Athletics are fast emerging as a legitimate threat in the American League.

The Marlins, meanwhile, are in desperate need of a spark to halt their losing streak. All eyes will be on Max Meyer to see if his strikeout dominance can silence Oakland’s bats and revive Miami’s confidence.

This showdown could be a defining moment early in the season—for both teams.