Today marks the beginning of the last full week of MLB Spring Training before the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants kick off the 2026 regular season next Wednesday. As a result, with the season right around the corner, teams like the Athletics are beginning to narrow the amount of players in big-league camp, sending minor league prospects and non-roster invitees unlikely to make the team to minor league camp.
This roster-trim was expected as the majority of these players were not considered candidates to open the season with the A’s. However, them being reassigned will not prevent them from continuing to appear in the remainder of the team’s Cactus League games.
Speaking of which, the A’s have the chance to get back in the win column this afternoon following yesterday’s 12-6 loss to the Cleveland Guardians. In that game, top prospect Leo De Vries impressed again, hitting his third home run of the spring. However, A’s minor league pitching prospects Wei-En Lin and Zane Taylor each allowed six runs.
Veteran left-hander Jeffrey Springs will start on the mound for the A’s today against the Los Angeles Angels. Springs has had a rough spring so far, allowing six runs in 2 2/3 innings in his last outing against the Chicago White Sox. Carrying a 13.50 Cactus League ERA into his fourth start, Springs needs to pitch better today, especially with this potentially being his penultimate preseason appearance. For the A’s to have a chance at contending this year, Springs and right-hander Luis Severino, who pitched well last night for Team Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, need to put forth strong performances in the majority of their starts.
Here’s how the A’s lineup versus the Angels looks this afternoon:
The Athletics have historically zigged when other teams have zagged. Traditionally, teams put their high-contact, on-base hitters near the top of their lineup in front of their power threats. The A’s are taking the opposite approach, batting sluggers Nick Kurtz, Shea Langeliers and Brent Rooker ahead of contact hitters Jacob Wilson and Jeff McNeil.
The only odd thing in today’s A’s lineup is second baseman Zack Gelof getting his first-ever start in right field. Yesterday, he started in center field for the first time, making a nice catch on the only ball hit to him out there. With Denzel Clarke back, Gelof slides to right as the A’s continue expanding his positional versatility. Lawrence Butler, the team’s starting right fielder, will make his spring debut tomorrow as the designated hitter before playing the outfield this weekend as he aims to be ready for Opening Day.
That lineup will be facing George Klassen, who is one of the Angels’ top pitching prospects. Klassen has had an impressive spring, going 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA in three games played. He will look to further strengthen his candidacy for the Angels starting rotation with another solid outing today.
Here’s how the Angels stack up:
Superstar Mike Trout is one of several regulars in the Angels lineup this afternoon. Injuries have limited him in recent seasons, but he remains one of the most talented players of his generation. With him, Jo Adell and Logan O’Hoppe all starting, it should be a decent challenge for Springs and the Athletics. Should be a fun one in the desert. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. Let’s go A’s!
