Rangers vs. Athletics: Game 3 predictions, odds and picks — Sept. 26, MLB 2024

On Thursday, the Oakland Athletics will welcome the Texas Rangers for the final game at the Oakland Coliseum. Pending a move to Las Vegas, the club has resolved to relocate to Sacramento next year as it awaits its new venue in the desert.

The game will mark the 13th and final meeting of the season between the two teams. Of 12 fixtures thus far in 2024, Texas has emerged victorious seven times. Thursday's game is slated to get underway from Oakland at 12:37 p.m. PDT.

"An A’s grounds crew member gave fans dirt to take home from Oakland Coliseum (@NBCSAthletics)" - Sports Illustrated

Rangers vs Athletics recent form and records

Despite their status as defending World Series champs, the Rangers will not be seeing postseason action in 2024. Now 75-83, Texas sits third in the AL West, 10.5 games behind the Houston Astros. 4-6 in its last 10, manager Bruce Bochy's team is also nine games out of a wild card spot.

A 3-7 record over the last 10 games has soured the final days of the Athletics franchise. On account of their 68-90 record, the A's narrowly edge out the Los Angeles Angels to avoid the bottom of the AL West.

Players to Watch

Starting Pitchers

TX: Kumar Rocker (0-1, 2.57 ERA) vs OAK: JT Ginn (0-1, 4.40 ERA)

Rocker has a 1.571 WHIP, 7.7 BB/9 and 12 K in 7 IP.

Last Start: Loss, 3 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 5 K vs TOR

Career vs OAK: N/A

Ginn has a 1.326 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9 and 27 K in 28.2 IP.

Last Start: ND, 5 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K vs NYM

Career vs TX: N/A

Must-Watch Hitters

Texas

Outfielder Adolis Garcia is on a run to finish off the season. Already touting a homer and a pair of RBIs in the series, Garcia is a .261 hitter with 13 career home runs against the A's. Moreover, the Cuban has two home runs and nine RBIs in his last 11 fixtures.

"Adolis García - Texas Rangers (24)" - MLB HR Videos

Wyatt Langford's four home runs in the past two weeks lead his club. A .252 hitter in his rookie season, Langford has recorded a pair of home runs, two doubles and five RBIs in his last three games.

Oakland

A .296/.367/.567 hitter on the season, Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker has quietly hit 38 home runs and 110 RBIs this season. Although Rooker's last home run has not come since the A's game against the Chicago Cubs on Sept. 16, the 29-year-old is a career .319 batter against Texas.

"The only 3 MLB players with 38+ HRs and 105+ RBI: Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and Brent Rooker" - Codify

In his past 12 games, catcher Shea Langeliers has hit three home runs and seven RBIs while swinging to an .840 OPS. Entering Thursday on a four-game walk streak, Langeliers' 28 homers this season represent a career high.

Athletics vs Rangers baseball betting odds

Athletics vs Rangers expert picks and game prediction

The game on Thursday afternoon in Oakland will be nothing short of historic. After being a local fixture for decades, the Coliseum will cease to see MLB action.

While neither team has exhibited the most positive offensive prowess lately, this game is Oakland's to lose, and the odds are reflective of this.

Run Line: +1.5 -185

Total Runs: U 7.5 -105

Prediction: Athletics W, 3-1