This afternoon, the Athletics have a chance to win their second straight series if they can capture the rubber game against the Toronto Blue Jays, who remain in the race for the final American League wild-card slot.
The A’s are once again rolling with the opener strategy today, a move necessitated by the numerous injuries and inconsistent performances the team’s starting rotation has dealt with this season. Left-hander Brady Basso will open the game for the fifth time in his 23rd appearance of the season. The 28-year-old has gone 1-2 with a 4.32 ERA and 24 strikeouts over 33 1/3 innings.
Speaking of southpaws, here’s a medical update on A’s pitching prospect Jamie Arnold from his mother.
Back to the game, there is a strong possibility that right-hander Joey Estes will handle the bulk of the relief work after Basso pitches the first couple of innings. Or, with the team off tomorrow, the Athletics could give everyone in the bullpen, minus the two relievers who each pitched two innings yesterday, an inning and see how it goes.
Here’s how the Athletics will line up for the series finale:
Well, this A’s lineup is certainly something. Right fielder Lawrence Butler, who is batting .179 over his past seven games, will bat between Henry Bolte and Zack Gelof. If the A’s want to win, they will need first baseman Tommy White, catcher Brian Serven and shortstop Alika Williams to contribute offensively.
Why did the team bring back Denzel Clarke, only to sideline him every game? The injury prone player needs at-bats to improve offensively, which he will not get by sitting on the bench. It seems like the Athletics only reinstated Clarke to make social media content.
With the Green and Gold relying on their league-worst bullpen, it would have made sense to shore up the outfield defense by putting Clarke in center field and moving Bolte to left. Unfortunately, that apparently did not cross A’s manager Mark Kotsay’s mind.
The Blue Jays are also rolling with a bullpen game. Right-hander Brayden Fisher will open on the mound for the visitors. The 26-year-old enters his 70th appearance and ninth start of the season with a 3-4 record, a 3.20 ERA and 68 strikeouts over 70 1/3 innings. Fisher has been lights-out lately, having not allowed a run over his last seven games.
And Toronto’s starting nine:
George Springer remains out of the lineup for the Blue Jays, who will rely on the sluggers in the middle of their lineup to lead their offense as they pursue a road series victory. Left fielder Charles McAdoo and backup catcher Brandon Valenzuela will make their first starts of the series this afternoon.
Time to win a second straight series and make Toronto’s path to the postseason even more challenging. Let’s go, A’s!
Follow the Game:
Watch:
Athletics – NBCSCA
Listen:
Athletics – Talk 650 KSTE, A’s Cast
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