Oakland Athletics vs Philadelphia Phillies Prediction & Match Preview - April 8th | MLB Season 2022
The Oakland Athletics are beginning their season against a team they rarely see, the Philadelphia Phillies. The two teams come from opposite sides of the baseball world. The Phillies play in the National League East and the Athletics in the American League West.
Despite not having met each other since 2019, the two teams will likely have no trouble adjusting to one another as they take the field at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 8.
Match Details
Fixture: Oakland Athletics vs Philadelphia Phillies
Date & Time: Friday, April 8, 3:05 p.m. EDT
Venue: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Oakland Athletics Preview
The Oakland A's finished with a comendable 86-76 record in 2021. Unfortunately, they play in one of the most competitive divisions in baseball and will have to bump those numbers up if they wish to get anywhere in 2022.
Getting the ball for the Oakland Athletics will be right-hander Frankie Montas. The Athletics were known for having spent $0 on new signings this past offseason. Montas, however, was signed to a one-year $5 million contract to avoid arbitration.
Matt Olson: Destroyer of baseballs 💥
(via @Braves)
https://t.co/LEPikUPR95
"Matt Olson: Destroyer of baseballs" - @ FOX Sports: MLB
Perhaps the greatest loss this season for the A's will be that of Matt Olson, the team's top scorer last season. Olson, an Atlanta native, signed a long-term contract with the Braves this offseason, leaving some lingering questions for the A's.
Oakland Athletics Key Player - Sean Murphy
The Oakland Athletics have lost a significant portion of their offensive firepower since 2021. Notable departures include Matt Olson, Matt Chapman, and Mark Canha.
Although this drastic change in the A's offensive potential presents a great many challenges, it also bears opportunity.
Sean Murphy solidified his role as a starting catcher with the A's last season. He hit 17 home runs and 59 RBIs in 393 at bats. However, he will have to improve his substandard batting average if he is to carry the weight of the departed sluggers. Murphy was a .216 hitter last season.
Oakland Athletics Predicted Lineup
- Anthony Kemp, 2B
- Stephen Vogt, 1B
- Sean Murphy, C
- Seth Brown, RF
- Jed Lowrie, DH
- Steven Piscotty, CF
- Elvis Andrus, SS
- Kevin Smith, 3B
- Cristian Pache, LF
Pitcher: Frankie Montas
Philadelphia Phillies Preview
Despite signing Bryce Harper to a 13-year, $330 million contract in 2019, the Phillies have unfortunately had little to show for it.
The team has not made the playoffs in a decade. This season will be a true test of patience for the fans. The City of Champions does not take well to losing teams.
Didi Gregorius just turned one of the most incredible double plays you will ever see https://t.co/xaDlQ1Q4Q3
"Didi Gregorius just turned one of the most incredible double plays you will ever see" - @ Jomboy Media
With Didi Gregorius and Jean Segura patrolling the midfield and Bryce Harper and now Nick Castellanos in the outfield, this might finally be the year the Phillies do something of note.
Philadelphia Phillies Key Player - Nick Castellanos
"I don't have a college degree, I hit baseballs" is how Nick Castellanos described his plate mentality earlier this spring. The 30-year-old outfielder inked a five-year contract that will see him make $20 million per year.
The slugger hit .309 last year with 34 home runs and 100 RBIs. Bryce Harper, a close friend of Castellanos, reportedly nudged the star in the direction of the Phillies.
Fans and management are as excited as they are eager to see the pair go to work in the outfield for the Philadelphia Phillies this year.
Philadelphia Phillies Projected Lineup
- Kyle Schwarber, CF
- J.T. Realmuto, C
- Bryce Harper, RF
- Nick Castellanos, DH
- Rhys Hoskins, 1B
- Didi Gregorius, SS
- Jean Segura, 2B
- Bryson Scott, 3B
- Mickey Moniak, LF
Pitcher: Aaron Nola
Oakland Athletics vs Philadelphia Phillies Predicition
Nick Castellanos is expected to be the tinder that ignites the Phillies lineup into some serious offensive production. The Oakland Athletics have lost considerable depth in their lineup. Although the stage is set for some underdogs to step up, it will be difficult for the Athletics to repeat last season. Our Prediction: Phillies. 8-4.
Where to watch the Oakland Athletics vs Philadelphia Phillies
Oakland Athletics
TV: Comcast Sportsnet
Livestream: MLB.TV
Philadelphia Phillies
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Livestream: MLB.TV
Fans of both clubs will get a unique chance in this opening series to see teams they hardly ever get to see. Although the Philadelphia Phillies play in a difficult NL East, the Athletics play in an even more competitive division. Both teams will need to give all they have to earn success this season.