Mets vs Athletics Betting Guide and Expert Picks April 12th, 2025

New York Mets

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Athletics

As the Oakland Athletics prepare to host the New York Mets on April 12, 2025, both teams come into this Interleague matchup with contrasting fortunes. The Athletics, with a record of 5-8, are struggling mightily this season, while the Mets, sitting at 8-4, are enjoying a strong start. In their previous game, the Athletics fell to the Mets in a close contest, reflecting their ongoing challenges on the field.

On the mound, Oakland is projected to start Mitch Spence, who ranks as the 141st best starting pitcher in MLB according to advanced stats. Spence’s projections indicate he will pitch an average of 4.3 innings, allowing 2.2 earned runs, but he also struggles with 4.2 hits and 1.3 walks allowed per game, both of which are concerning. Meanwhile, New York’s David Peterson, although considered below average as well, projects to go slightly deeper into the game with an average of 5.4 innings pitched and a comparable earned run average of 2.7.

The matchup on offense favors the Mets, as their best hitter has performed well over the last week with a .381 batting average and 7 RBIs. In contrast, Oakland’s best hitter has been slightly more productive, boasting a .429 batting average and 9 hits, but they will need to translate that performance into runs to support Spence on the mound.

Given the Athletics’ struggles and the Mets’ strong start, bettors might find value in backing New York, especially considering the disparity in starting pitchers and recent form. While both teams have their flaws, the Mets seem poised to capitalize on Oakland’s woes in this critical matchup.

New York Mets Insights

• David Peterson – Over/Under Strikeouts
  It may come as a surprise, but fastballs are generally a pitcher’s least effective pitch. David Peterson has utilized his secondary offerings 6.4% more often this year (48.9%) than he did last season (42.5%).
  Explain: A pitcher who limits has fastball usage will instead heavily use change-ups, curveballs, sliders, etc. These are far more effective pitches at preventing runs and generating strikeouts.

Athletics Insights

• Mitch Spence – Over/Under Strikeouts
  Mitch Spence’s 90.5-mph fastball velocity since the start of last season grades out in the 6th percentile among all SPs.
  Explain: Velocity is a key component to fastball success in generating strikeouts and preventing runs.