The Cubs took their last series from the Dodgers, which hasn't happened often. They are hitting the ball well, especially vs lefties, and the bullpen has been better than average. They are up early against the A's in game one, and will send out Stroman on Tuesday. He has a pair of wins already and three very good starts. He allowed 2 runs over six innings in his last start, but that is it for the season with 18 innings under his belt.
The A's pitching (starting and relief) is the worst in the league, and while they put up some runs in the Baltimore series, their offense is poor overall. Lefty Waldichuk kept the ball in the park in his last start, a big improvement over his first two. His ERA is still a monster 10.20, and he has been hit very hard to date, but appearance #3 was a huge improvement. Don't look for help from the Pen. As noted, they are struggling.
This should be a relatively easy win for the Cubs. Take Chicago to win on the road.