Game #102: Athletics vs. Rangers Game Thread

Fresh series on tap for the Green & Gold

The A’s wrapped up their first series of the first half yesterday and now find themselves in Texas, preparing to start a three-game series against the Rangers in the first of a weeklong Texas road trip.

The starter for tonight’s series opener will be left-handed rookie Jacob Lopez. The lefty is sporting a 4.20 ERA as he prepares to begin the second half of his first full season in the majors. Lopez showed lots of potential during the first half, along with some rookie struggles, but there are signs Lopez has plenty of room to grow. This’ll be his second appearance but first start against the Rangers; in 1 ²⁄₃ innings of relief back in April Lopez allowed just one hit but also three walks and four strikeouts.

The starting lineup for the first game in Texas:

The injury to Denzel Clarke now forces the A’s to put Lawrence Butler in center field for the time being. That looks likely to continue while Clarke is down with his injury. Miguel Andujar will take over in right field tonight and could see plenty of action there.

For Texas, they’ll go with right-hander Jack Leiter to square off against Lopez. Like Lopez, Leiter has had some positive moments for the Rangers during his first full big league season, but also like Lopez has had some rookie struggles. The former top prospect brings a similar 4.37 ERA into tonight’s contest.

Texas’ starting nine for tonight:

Let’s go A’s!