A’s vs. Giants Spring Training Game Thread

Bounce back time

A day after losing two games in one day, the A’s get right back up on their horse with an afternoon matchup against the San Francisco Giants.

The A’s will be utilizing left-hander Jeffrey Springs in today’s start at Scottsdale Stadium. Prepared to make his fifth start of the spring, Springs has looked solid with a 3.38 ERA and most importantly he’s healthy. Over the past few seasons for the Rays that was the biggest obstacle for him but so far he’s gone through camp with no issues. While Luis Severino only just made his third appearance the team is happy to let Springs get into as much action as possible. As long as he’s ready for the long and grueling season, it’s fine by me. I love seeing our new toys in action before games start counting.

The A’s lineup today against the Giants looks like this:

Many of the expected everyday starters are getting the day off save for a few. The most notable thing in today’s lineup is Tyler Soderstrom behind the plate for the start. The team would afford themselves a lot more flexibility if they were able to use Soderstrom as the primary backup to starting catcher Shea Langeliers. That would allow them to carry either an extra infielder or outfielder instead of a primary backup catcher. We don’t know how the club is leaning at this point but they’re very clearly still considering their options for the backup catcher role. Outside of Soderstrom we see Brent Rooker in at his customary DH while Seth Brown mans first base.

They’ll be facing Giants right-hander Hayden Birdsong, who is still in competition for the Giants’ fifth starter role. Birdsong has looked solid this spring for San Francisco but still may end up losing the battle on account of having options remaining. He could make the Giants’ decision on that final spot harder with a quality outing against the A’s today. Let’s make it easy on the Giants.

San Francisco’s starting nine for today, courtesy of former A’s writer Susan Slusser:

Even though they are no longer cross-bay rivals, it still feels extra good to beat these guys. Let’s go A’s!