Oakland Athletics vs Houston Astros Picks and Predictions June 17th 2025

Oakland Athletics vs Houston Astros June 17th 2025

The Houston Astros will take on the Athletics at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, CA, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The game is set to start at 10:05 PM and will be broadcast on NSPCA. Fans can expect a clear sky and very hot weather for this night game.

The Astros, managed by Joe Espada, have a season record of 41-31. They have a road record of 14-18. On the other hand, the Athletics, managed by Mark Kotsay, hold a 30-44 record. At home, they have struggled with a 13-23 record. Starting for the Astros is Jason Alexander, while JP Sears will pitch for the Athletics.

Astros vs Athletics Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Houston Astros vs. None Athletics
• Venue: Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, CA
• Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
• Betting Odds: Astros MoneyLine -138, Athletics MoneyLine +115

The Astros Can Win If…

The Houston Astros are set to play against the None Athletics, coming off a recent loss of 3-1. Despite the loss, the Astros showed strong pitching from Ryan Gusto, who struck out 8 batters over 5 innings. Jose Altuve hit a home run, providing a spark in their lineup.

Houston’s batting average ranks 5th in the league at .253, showing they can consistently get on base. Their pitching staff has an ERA of 3.43, ranked 6th, and they lead the league in strikeouts with 711. These stats highlight their ability to control the game both offensively and defensively.

Key players like Jeremy Peña and Isaac Paredes have been performing well, with Peña holding a .320 average and Paredes leading the team with 15 home runs. Their lineup depth is evident, with multiple players contributing to their wins. With Jason Alexander starting, the Astros will look to rebound and secure a win against the Athletics.

The Athletics Can Win If…

The None Athletics are coming off a solid win against the Houston Astros, taking the game 3-1. Mitch Spence pitched five innings, allowing only one run, which was key in the victory. Home runs by Nick Kurtz and JJ Bleday provided the offense needed to secure the win.

The Athletics have been strong at the plate, with a team batting average of .253, ranking 5th in the league. Their power is evident as they are 6th in home runs with 92 this season. Players like Brent Rooker and Tyler Soderstrom continue to be key contributors, each with double-digit home runs.

On the mound, JP Sears will start, bringing a 5-5 record and a 5.08 ERA. While his ERA is not among the best, his ability to strike out batters has been consistent. Facing an Astros starter with an ERA of 18.00 gives the Athletics a good chance to capitalize early in the game.

The Lean

The Astros are favored with a moneyline of -138 against the Athletics at +115. The Astros have a strong pitching staff with a 3.43 ERA, ranked 6th, and a .219 batting average against, ranked 2nd. The Athletics struggle with a 5.42 ERA, ranked 29th. The model projects the Astros to win 6-4, making the Astros a solid pick to win straight up.

The over/under line is set at 10.5 runs. The Athletics’ pitching has given up a high number of home runs, with 105 allowed, ranked 19th. Both teams have decent hitting stats, with the Athletics ranked 6th in slugging percentage. The model projects a total score of 10 runs. Given the line and the projection, the recommendation is to take the under 10.5.

Kurtz’s emergence

Nick Kurtz has quickly become Oakland’s go-to power threat, flashing middle-of-the-order impact well ahead of schedule. The 22-year-old drilled a two-run, walk-off homer Monday—the second straight game he’s gone deep—to spark a three-run rally and secure a 3-1 victory. After tearing through Triple-A with a .321 average, seven homers and 24 RBIs in just 20 games, Kurtz has carried that momentum into the majors, batting .247 with seven homers in 34 contests. Manager Mark Kotsay notes that Kurtz’s plate discipline and ability to punish mistakes make him a natural leader in the clubhouse, even as he continues to refine his approach against big-league breaking balls.

Astros’ challenge with Alexander

Houston turns to Jason Alexander (0-0, 18.00 ERA), a 32-year-old reliever recalled when Lance McCullers Jr. hit the injured list. Alexander makes his first start since 2022 and faces the franchise that waived him last month. His brief relief stint in Oakland yielded 12 earned runs over six innings, but this assignment gives him a chance to channel that experience into a bounce-back performance. The Astros’ lineup, which has leaned on veteran José Altuve’s steady bat, will need to adjust quickly to Alexander’s fastball/slider mix if they hope to silence Kurtz and steal a win on the road.

Sears’ adjustments

Oakland counters with lefty J.P. Sears (5-5, 5.08 ERA), coming off a season-best nine-strikeout outing against the Angels. Sears has struggled with consistency, posting a 5.36 ERA in nine career appearances versus Houston, including an 11-1 loss in his last start at Minute Maid Park. Manager Kotsay believes Sears’s sinker and slider are most effective when he pounds the lower zone and trusts his defense. After watching Sears execute four double-plays in Anaheim, the A’s hope he can replicate that ground-ball success to keep this series in their favor.

Handicapper spotlight — Scott’s Picks

Premium handicapper Scott’s Picks went 4-1 yesterday for a $458 profit, cashing both run-line and moneyline plays with precision. His model highlights the stark contrast between Kurtz’s confidence and Sears’s mixed results, as well as Alexander’s command issues in relief. Scott locks in Oakland on the moneyline, viewing this as a textbook spot where young power meets a vulnerable opponent. Follow his full ticket on the Scores and Stats MLB picks hub.

Betting tools & analysis

For live side and total odds, check the Scores and Stats MLB odds board. To refine your approach with park factors, platoon splits, and late-inning leverage, consult the comprehensive Scores and Stats expert betting guide.

Prediction: A’s 5, Astros 3. Kurtz’s hot bat carries the offense, Sears settles in for six solid innings, and Scott’s Picks’ moneyline play pays off as Oakland extends its streak.