Diamondbacks vs Athletics Prediction - MLB Picks 5/15/23

Oakland Athletics (9-33) vs Arizona Diamondbacks (23-18)

Game Info: Monday, May 15, 2023 at 9:40 pm (Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum)

Drew Rucinski (0-3) (8.16) vs Merrill Kelly (3-3) (3.57)

Betting Odds: Oakland Athletics +148 / Arizona Diamondbacks -161 --- Over/Under: 9 Click Here for the Latest Odds

The Oakland Athletics will host the Arizona Diamondbacks for an interleague series this week from Oakland-Alameda Coliseum.

Diamondbacks Betting Preview

Arizona moved to 23-18 after taking three of four from San Francisco. The Diamondbacks responded to a three-game skid by taking the final three contests, and they’ll look for more success against a Bay Area opponent this week. The Arizona offense is scoring 4.78 runs per game, while batting .273, with a .332 on-base percentage. The pitching staff carries a 4.84 ERA, with a 1.36 WHIP. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. doubled in all four games versus the Giants, and he’s second on the team in both BA (.310) and RBI (20). Christian Walker leads the DBacks in hits (37) and RBI (28).

Merrill Kelly (3-3, 3.18 ERA, 46 Ks) will make the road start for Arizona. The fifth-year pitcher found a little trouble with Miami last week, but he managed to go six innings or more for the fifth time in six starts. Kelly has allowed one run or less in three of the last five, and he should be able to bounce back here in Oakland.

Athletics Betting Preview

Oakland moved to 9-33 after dropping three of four to Texas. The Athletics have dropped seven of their last eight games, and they face an uphill battle over the second half of the month. The Oakland offense is scoring 2.81 runs per game, while batting .232, with a .313 on-base percentage. The pitching staff carries a 7.29 ERA, with a 1.74 WHIP. Brent Rooker has a hit in seven of the last nine games, and he leads the team in batting (.316), HR (11), and RBI (29). Esteury Ruiz had multiple hits in two of four games versus Texas, and he’s second on the team at 20 RBI.

Drew Rucinski (0-3, 8.16 ERA, 6 Ks) will take the hill for Oakland. The ninth-year righty has struggled since debuting in late April, giving up twelve runs in his last two starts combined. This home spot with Arizona will mark his fourth appearance of the season.

Arizona vs Oakland Trends

Arizona is 18-19 against the spread this season, with a 19-17-1 O/U record. Oakland is 17-21 ATS this year, with a 21-14-3 over/under record.

Corey’s Free Pick

They aren’t Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling, but the Diamondbacks do have a strong tandem in Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly at the top of their rotation, and the latter should find some success here. Kelly has only allowed two runs in three road starts, with one of those outings at Coors, and another strong start from him here in the Bay should lead the DBacks to a win. Back Arizona for game one of this interleague series.