For the second weekend in a row, the Oakland A’s battled the Los Angeles Angels and start the new week in second place in the AL West.  Unfortunately for the Athletics, they picked a terrible time to play their worst and were swept in Anaheim and now find themselves five games behind the Angels.  The A’s 78-58 record is third best in all of MLB but behind not only the Angels but the AL East leading Orioles as well.  The A’s and Angels will play one more series towards the end of September, with the three games being played in Oakland.  

The A’s return home for this week’s slate of games - three games against the Seattle Mariners and then a three game weekend series against the Houston Astros.  The Mariners have played the A’s very well thus far this season, winning seven of the thirteen head to head match-ups thus far.  Seattle will be flying in from the Pacific Northwest after a tough series with the Washington Nationals.  While they are very likely out of the race for the division crown, the Mariners find themselves 0.5 games out of the second Wild Card spot behind the Tigers.  No one wants to face Seattle and Felix Hernandez in that one game Wild Card.  

Here are the expected pitching match-ups for the three game series, which includes two afternoon games due to the Labor Day holiday.

  1. Monday, 9/1, 1:05pm, Chris Young (12-6) vs. Jason Hammel (1-5)
  2. Tuesday, 9/2, 7:05pm, James Paxton (4-1) vs. Sonny Gray (13-7)
  3. Wednesday, 9/3, 12:35pm, Felix Hernandez (13-5) vs. Jon Lester (13-9)

Predictions: The A’s need a big performance from Jason Hammel in the series opener.  The way these two teams have been playing however, the Mariners might be able to sneak out of Oakland winning two of three.      

Following an off day on Thursday, the pesky Houston Astros return to O.co for their last season match-up against the Athletics.  The Astros also have Thursday off as they wrap up a two game series with the Angels on Tuesday and Wednesday.  In sixteen games thus far this season, the A’s have won ten of sixteen games, but the Astros have been playing the A’s much better in the second half of the season.  The past few seasons the A’s have steam rolled the Astros, but Houston has taken at least one game in each of the prior three series and have been a thorn in the A’s side as they have looked to keep pace with the Angels.  

Here are the expected pitching match-ups for the weekend series:

  1. Friday, 9/5, 7:05pm, Brett Oberholtzer (4-10) vs. Jeff Samardzija (4-4)
  2. Saturday, 9/6, 1:05pm, Scott Feldman (8-10) vs. Scott Kazmir (14-7)
  3. Sunday, 9/7, 1:05pm, Dallas Keuchel (10-9) vs. Jason Hammel (1-5)

Predictions: If there were ever a time for a three game sweep of an inferior opponent, this weekend would be it.     

Who’s Hot?

There aren’t too many hot players in the A’s clubhouse right now.  Josh Donaldson’s bat is showing signs of coming to life, hitting well over .300 in the past week+.  Fernando Abad had a strong August with 8.1IP without giving up an ER.  

Who’s Not?

Brandon Moss can’t flip the calendar quick enough to get out of August.  Moss hit under .200 for the month and hasn’t hit a home run since July 24th.  Platoon man Alberto Callaspo has also hit a lull over the past two weeks, despite receiving regular play in the lineup due to injuries.  Finally, Stephen Vogt’s minor, nagging injuries might be having an effect on his plate appearances, as Vogt is hitting under .200 over the past seven days.  

Scott Kazmir is probably right there with Moss to turn the calendar to September, with an ERA over 6.00 for the month and a 2-4 record.  Ryan Cook’s confidence looks rattled, as he has had several shaky outings in his last few appearances, including taking the loss in the series opener against the Angels this past week.

A’s Roster Movement

The A’s suffered a major loss this past week when Closer Sean Doolittle had to go on the 15 day DL.  With the move, the club recalled RP Dan Otero.

The team recalled SP Drew Pomeranz from the minors to make Wednesday’s start, sending 1B Nate Freiman to the minors for the time being.  

Coco Crisp is listed as day-to-day after crashing into the wall in Anaheim.  Coco’s been dealing with neck issues for much of the season and the team needs him healthy for the stretch run.  

On Sunday the A’s acquired Adam Dunn from the White Sox for minor league RHP Nolan Sanburn.  Given the struggles in the lineup, any new bat is a welcomed presence for the Athletics.  It is noteworthy that Dunn has never played in the postseason.  

As the rosters expand to 40 on Monday, look for these players to remain on, or be called up for, the main roster the rest of the way.  

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About the author
John Flesta
Displaced Oakland A's, Seattle Seahawks, and Minnesota Timberwolves fan in New Jersey.