Chicago Cubs @ Athletics – Series Preview (March 31-April 2): Overview, Game and Broadcast Info, Starting Pitchers, W2W4
The Cubs (2–4) split their four-game set with the Diamondbacks after a bullpen meltdown in Sunday’s finale cost them a series victory. Chicago had some positives in Arizona despite the relief issues, including decent starting pitching and a pair of home runs from new addition Kyle Tucker. Next up is a trip to Sacramento to battle the Athletics in their temporary minor-league digs starting Monday.
The A’s (2–2) are in transition mode on and off the field in 2025, leaving Oakland on a journey that will eventually end in Las Vegas with a multi-year layover at the home of the Giants’ Triple-A team. Meanwhile, the team itself is in a rebuild after finishing with 93 losses in 2024 under first year manager Mark Kotsay.
The Athletics’ offense did not get on base much or generate a lot of runs, but they did hit home runs. They mashed 193 dingers to be exact, eighth most in baseball. Brent Rooker emerged as a star in the heart of the lineup with 39 home runs and a 164 wRC+, while Lawrence Butler had a promising rookie season with a 130 wRC+ and 22 homers.
The A’s pitching staff also struggled in 2024 with a 4.37 team ERA, which ranked 24th in MLB. The starting rotation was a particular area of difficulty with a 4.76 ERA. Closer Mason Miller has absolutely electric stuff but still needs to harness his triple-digit fastball and nasty slider.
Despite their overall bad record in 2024, the Athletics finished strong with a 32-32 mark in the second half. The Cubs cannot take this team lightly, especially with their current bullpen problems. That being said, this is probably the weakest opponent they are going to face during this brutal opening month of the season, so it would behoove them to win this series.
Game Time and Broadcast Info
- Monday, March 31 at 9:05pm CT on Marquee.
- Tuesday, April 1 at 9:05pm CT on Marquee.
- Wednesday, April 2 at 3:35pm CT on Marquee.
Starting Pitchers (2024 Stats)
| Date | Pitcher | Age | T | ERA | W/L | FIP | K/BB |
| 3/31 | Ben Brown | 25 | R | 3.58 | 1-3 | 3.11 | 3.37 |
| Joey Estes | 23 | R | 5.01 | 7-9 | 4.94 | 3.41 | |
| 4/1 | Justin Steele | 29 | L | 3.07 | 12-8 | 3.23 | 3.65 |
| Luis Severino | 31 | R | 3.91 | 11–7 | 4.21 | 2.68 | |
| 4/2 | Jameson Taillon | 33 | R | 3.27 | 12-8 | 3.92 | 3.79 |
| Jeffrey Springs | 32 | L | 3.27 | 2–2 | 3.98 | 3.36 |
What to Watch For
- Miguel Amaya is off to a fast start with seven RBI and a .333 batting average.
- Severino came to the Athletics from the Mets and he pitched well against the Cubs in 2024.
- Brown makes his first start after pitching in relief against the Dodgers in Japan.
- There is a chance of rain Monday and Tuesday in Sacramento, so there is potential for delays.
