Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, MLB Picks, MLB Free Picks, MLB Predictions 6/16/26

Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, MLB Picks, MLB Free Picks, MLB Predictions 6/16/26

PITSBURGH @ ATHLETICS (ATH -131, 10.5)

MLB ODDS, MLB PREDICTIONS, MLB PREVIEWS

COACH RICK MLB PREVIEWS

PIRATES @ ATHLETICS 6/16/26

The Oakland Athletics dominated the series opener with an 11-2 victory, but tonight presents a fresh matchup at Sutter Health Park. We have a veteran presence on the mound for Pittsburgh in Mitch Keller, while Oakland counters with the unheralded Jack Perkins.

The Athletics enter this game with significant momentum following their blowout win yesterday. While Mitch Keller is an established arm for the Pirates, his career numbers against this current Oakland roster are concerning. Keller has allowed four home runs in just 41 at-bats against these hitters, resulting in a .512 slugging percentage against him.

Oakland's offense is clicking at the right time, and despite starting Jack Perkins—who lacks extensive career data against Pittsburgh—the Athletics' home-field advantage and recent offensive explosion make them the definitive choice here. The Pirates are also dealing with a depleted roster, missing key contributors like Oneil Cruz and Joey Bart, which severely limits their ability to match Oakland's current scoring pace.

SUTTER HEALTH PARK (21-13-1 O/U)

The total is set high at 10.5, but the data suggests we are headed for another high-scoring affair. Yesterday's 13-run total was no fluke. Mitch Keller’s tendency to give up the long ball to this specific Athletics lineup (16.7% K rate vs. 9.7% BB rate in BvP data) suggests Oakland will put up numbers early.

On the other side, Jack Perkins is an unknown quantity for the Pirates' hitters, which often leads to early-game volatility. With both bullpens potentially taxed from yesterday's lopsided game and the Pirates looking to bounce back from a defensive collapse, the Over is the statistically supported play.

TOP PLAYER PROP RECOMMENDATIONS

Zack Gelof is currently the hottest hitter in this matchup. His recent trends are nothing short of elite, making this a high-confidence selection despite the juice. Gelof has recorded at least one hit in each of his last 5, 10, and 15 games. He currently has a 19-game hitting streak. 

Over his last 5 games, he is averaging a staggering 1.4 hits per contest. He holds a 69.09% hit rate on the season, but his recent form shows he has found a rhythm that far exceeds his season average. While he is 0-for-2 career against Keller, he has drawn a walk and his current 100% hit rate over the last 15 games suggests he is seeing the ball too well to be held hitless tonight.

Nick Kurtz has been a model of consistency for the Athletics and represents one of the safest anchor bets for tonight's slate. Kurtz has hit the Over 0.5 Hits prop in each of his last 5 games, averaging 1.2 hits in that span. He also boasts an 80% hit rate over his last 15 games.

Kurtz has already shown he can handle Mitch Keller. In their limited career history, Kurtz is 1-for-2 with a home run. His .500 batting average and 1.019 wOBA against Keller indicate he sees Keller's arsenal very clearly. He is even better when playing in front of the home crowd, hitting this line in 67.65% of home games this season.

If you are looking for a play with more value, Shea Langeliers to clear his total bases line is the move. He provides the power threat that could break this game open. Langeliers has cleared 1.5 total bases in 4 of his last 5 games, averaging 3.0 bases per game in that stretch.

He has a strong history against Keller, going 2-for-7 (.286 BA) with a home run. His .466 wOBA against Keller suggests that when he makes contact, it is high-impact. With Brent Rooker on the IL, Langeliers has stepped up as a primary run producer in the heart of the Athletics' order, seeing increased opportunities for extra-base hits.

MATCHUP NEWS & INJURY IMPACT

The loss of Oneil Cruz (10-Day IL) and Joey Bart (10-Day IL) cannot be overstated. These are two of Pittsburgh's most explosive bats, leaving a massive void in the middle of the order that players like Jared Triolo and Nick Gonzales are struggling to fill.

While Rooker is out, the Athletics have seen a surge from young talents like Henry Bolte (100% hit rate L5) and Gelof. This depth was on full display during yesterday's 11-run outburst.

Keller is a solid piece  of this Pirates staff, but he is facing an Athletics team that has historically punished his mistakes. If Keller cannot find his command early, Oakland's aggressive hitters will likely chase him before the 6th inning.

Get free MLB Picks and MLB Predictions for the top games on the weekly 2026 MLB schedule from the YLose.com  crew, one of the industry's largest networks of premier expert MLB handicappers. YLose.com has been bringing the MLB betting community the best MLB free picks and predictions for nearly three decades. Visit daily for the best MLB moneyline and point spread odds and game totals.

FREE PICK: ZACK GELOF OVER 1.5 HRR

Gelof is batting .275 and has hit safely in 19 games. He’s gone Over 1.5 HRR in each of his last 9 games. That includes last night’s win over the Pirates when he recorded 1 hit, 1 run, and 1 RBI. Tonight, he goes up against Mitch Keller who has allowed 24 hits and 18 ER in his last 3 starts. We all know how hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park is and the game total is set at 10.5 and juiced to go Over. That’s because hitters like Gelof should feast tonight.

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Ylose expert Coach Rick Bowe delivers his daily Quick Picks. The Coach continues to roll up big wins in college basketball, college football, the NFL, MLB and much more. Coach Rick offers a unique perspective to handicapping. Check out his daily free picks right here and jump on his daily Best Bets, which you can find right here at Ylose.com/coach.