The Oakland A’s battled the Los Angeles Angels this weekend and took two of three at home. However, the Angels hammered the A’s in the series finale to regain sole possession of first place in the AL West, which also gives the Angels the best record in baseball.
The 76-53 A’s hit the road after this past week’s home stand to take on two AL West rivals. First up are the Houston Astros for a three game series. The Astros have played the A’s relatively well this season despite the fact that Oakland has won eight of the thirteen head to head games thus far this season. The A’s dropped two of three on their last trip to Houston and will need to make sure that doesn’t happen again this week.
Here are the expected pitching match-ups for the three game series. However, note that Sonny Gray’s start may be pushed back later in the week. If this happens, expect Jesse Chavez or Drew Pomeranz to make the start on Wednesday.
- Monday, 8/25, 5:10pm, Jeff Samardzija (3-3) vs. Scott Feldman (7-9)
- Tuesday, 8/26, 5:10pm, Jason Hammel (1-5) vs. Dallas Keuchel (10-9)
- Wednesday, 8/27, 5:10pm, Sonny Gray (13-7) vs. Brad Peacock (3-8)
Predictions: There is no reason for the A’s to not win at least two of these games.
For the second weekend in a row, the best two teams in baseball will play a weekend series with the A’s traveling to Anaheim for this coming weekend’s four game series. The Angels will be coming out of a three game series at home against the Miami Marlins and will be ready to exact some revenge from this weekend’s results in Oakland. The AL West hangs in the balance as after this four game series, the two teams will meet only one more time - a three game series in Oakland in late September.
Here are the currently listed pitching match-ups for the weekend series, but again, don’t be surprised if Sonny Gray is pushed to start game one of this series.
- Thursday, 8/28, 7:05pm, Jon Lester (13-8) vs. CJ Wilson (10-8)
- Friday, 8/29, 7:05pm, Scott Kazmir (14-6) vs. Jered Weaver (14-7)
- Saturday, 8/30, 6:05pm, Jeff Samardzija (3-3) vs. Wade LeBlanc (0-0)
- Sunday, 8/31, 12:35pm, Jason Hammel (1-5) vs. Matt Shoemaker (12-4)
Predictions: I suspect the A’s will go ahead and push Sonny Gray to game one of this series. Assuming this happens, the A’s should take three of four as they have played the Angels very well this season. If Hammel pitches the series finale, expect the teams to split the four game series.
Who’s Hot?
After a very quiet few weeks since his return from the DL, Coco Crisp has put together a nice stretch of baseball, hitting over .300 in the past week plus. He had the game winning RBI triple against the Mets and has been driving in runs for the A’s lineup. Entering Sunday night’s game, Alberto Callaspo is 6 for his last 17 (.353) and making the most of his platoon role in the field and in the lineup. Sam Fuld has also been impressive over the past week, coming up with big hits in opportune times.
Sean Doolittle has been blowing past his opponents and is on another scoreless streak. Doolittle hasn’t given up an earned run since July 6th.
Who’s Not?
Josh Donaldson is in a major funk, batting .125 over the past week and heading into Sunday night’s game. He doesn’t have a single RBI over that time span and has failed to come through in several critical situations for the A’s.
Billy Beane didn’t send away a top ten prospect in all of baseball for this. Jason Hammel was pounded in his last start on 8/15 against the Braves and was subsequently skipped over in the rotation for the Angels series. Jeff Samardzija has lost his last two starts, including his worst outing as an Athletic this past week against the Mets.
A’s Roster Movement
The A’s activated OF Craig Gentry from the DL ahead of the Angels series and was put into the lineup immediately against the Angels LHP’s.
On Sunday the A’s announced that they sent Sean Doolittle to the DL and recalled Dan Otero from the minor leagues. The team also acquired Catcher Geovany Soto as John Jaso will be heading to the DL because of concussion issues. Jaso has been bothered by concussions in the past and this will be something to keep an eye on over the coming days and weeks.