The set-up: This series features a couple of competitive match-ups on the mound and this is one of them. However for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors Sean Manaea and the hard-hitting A's. The visitors hand the ball to Jake Odorizzi.

The pitchers: Manaea is so far 11-9 with a 3.70 ERA. He most recently gave up six runs off nine hits in a rare "dud" of a performance in a setback to Houston on Sunday. He's been scuffling a bit of late, but Manaea still owns a sharp 3.70 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. And note that he's been particularly good on the road with the 6-3, 3.50 ERA record.

Odorizzi is so far 5-7 with a 4.55 ERA. He most recently gave up four runs off four hits with two walks over five innings in a no-decision to the Tigers on Sunday. It was the fifth straight start in which he's failed to pitch a full six frames.

The pick: Note as well that Odorizzi owns a poor 5.52 ERA at home this season. I like Manaea to get back on track here after a couple of sub-par performances and to continue his strong play away from friendly confines, while I look for Odorrizi to continue his shoddy form in front of the home town crowd. Play on Oakland.