Athletics vs Guardians MLB Player Prop Picks (Jul 18)

The Oakland Athletics visit Progressive Field to open a three-game set against the Cleveland Guardians. JP Sears (7–7, 4.79 ERA) toes the rubber for Oakland, while Slade Cecconi (4–4, 3.44 ERA) gets the call for Cleveland. The Guardians narrowly missed out on the All-Star break above .500, while the A’s seek consistency in their rebuilding season.

• Guardians are –130 on the moneyline with an over/under of 8 runs; A’s are +111.
• Sears allowed 5+ hits in 7 of his last 10 starts, while Cecconi has cleared 17.5 outs in 5 of 8 starts.
• Cleveland has dropped its last 7 home games, yet their pitching and defense suppress scoring.

Oakland Athletics Player Prop Pick: Brent Rooker

Brent Rooker is swinging with full confidence after his All-Star Showcase heroics. The power-threat designated hitter should continue to find extra-base hits against a Cleveland staff that lacks depth beyond Cecconi.

• Rooker has tallied multiple total bases in 7 of his last 10 games.
• Facing a lineup prone to giving up hits—Cecconi allowed 5+ hits in 5 of 8 starts.
• Motivated after All-Star spotlight and a near-miss career milestone.

Cleveland Guardians Player Prop Pick: Slade Cecconi

Cecconi brings elite command and swing-and-miss stuff to start the second half, backed by a breakout performance recently. As Oakland’s offense continues struggling (below league-average OPS), he’s well-positioned to rack up strikeouts.

• Has struck out 6+ in 5 of his last 8 starts.
• Oakland ranks in the bottom third in OPS and runs scored.
• His emerging elite control supports the case for high strikeout totals.