Athletics vs. Cincinnati Reds Picks and Prediction for Thursday, August 6, 2026

The Athletics visit the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday at 12:40 PM ET at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Athletics are 45-68 and sit fourth in the AL West, 13 games behind the Houston Astros. The Athletics have lost six straight games, including a 5-4 defeat in Tuesday's series opener. Cincinnati is 54-58 and sits fifth in the NL Central, 15.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers. The Reds have won four of their last five games and will look to secure another series victory at home. Build your bankroll with our free MLB picks.

Athletics Trying to End a Six-Game Losing Streak

The Athletics are batting .245 while scoring 491 runs with 942 hits, 134 home runs, a .320 on-base percentage, and a .400 slugging percentage. Shea Langeliers leads the club with a .263 batting average and 23 home runs, while Jacob Wilson is hitting .274. Tyler Soderstrom has added 17 home runs, Jeff McNeil is batting .254, and Carlos Cortes owns a .260 average. Nick Kurtz remains the team leader with 69 RBIs despite landing on the injured list.

The Athletics have struggled on the mound throughout the season, posting a 5.42 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP while allowing opponents to bat .268. The staff has recorded 960 strikeouts but has surrendered 176 home runs through 113 games, the highest total in the majors. Improving on the pitching side remains the biggest challenge as the Athletics attempt to avoid losing another series.

Injuries: Zack Gelof (10-Day IL), Justin Sterner (15-Day IL), Nick Kurtz (10-Day IL), Denzel Clarke (60-Day IL), Jeffrey Springs (15-Day IL).

Cincinnati Reds Looking to Continue Their Winning Stretch

Cincinnati is batting .230 while scoring 467 runs with 860 hits, 145 home runs, a .310 on-base percentage, and a .397 slugging percentage. Sal Stewart has powered the offense with a .255 batting average, 24 home runs, and 86 RBIs. Elly De La Cruz is batting .276 with 18 home runs and 20 stolen bases, while JJ Bleday has contributed 19 home runs. Tyler Stephenson is batting .252, giving Cincinnati another dependable bat in the middle of the lineup.

The Reds own a 4.40 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP while holding opponents to a .245 batting average. Cincinnati pitchers have recorded 899 strikeouts but continue to battle inconsistency from game to game. Even so, the staff has helped the Reds win four of their last five contests and limited the Athletics to four runs in Tuesday's opener.

Injuries: Tony Santillan (15-Day IL), Nick Lodolo (15-Day IL), Brandon Williamson (60-Day IL), Graham Ashcraft (60-Day IL), Spencer Steer (10-Day IL).

Pitching Matchup

Athletics – Mason Barnett

Barnett is 1-1 with a 4.85 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP across 29.2 innings. The right-hander has allowed 25 hits while striking out 29 batters and walking 14. Barnett has shown solid strikeout ability but continues to work toward greater consistency.

Cincinnati Reds – Hunter Greene

Greene is 2-2 with a 6.83 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP over 27.2 innings. He has allowed 29 hits while striking out 33 batters against only nine walks. Greene's strikeout ability remains a strength despite his elevated ERA.

Athletics vs. Cincinnati Reds Game Pick

• Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati enters this matchup playing much better baseball, winning four of its last five games while taking the opener of this series. The Athletics have dropped six consecutive games and continue to struggle on the mound with the highest team ERA in the majors. The Reds also hold a home-field advantage and feature more consistent offensive production from the middle of their lineup. Cincinnati will pick up another home victory on Thursday.

Athletics vs. Cincinnati Reds Over/Under Pick

• Over

Both pitching staffs have posted ERA marks above 4.40 this season, and the Athletics have allowed a major league-high 176 home runs. Cincinnati features several power hitters led by Sal Stewart and Elly De La Cruz, while the Athletics have enough offensive depth to contribute their share of scoring. With two starters carrying ERAs above 4.80 and hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park hosting the matchup, the over is the play.