The Athletics opened this weeklong road trip by losing two out of three to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Following an off day yesterday, the A’s are back in action today as they begin a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins, who at 51-53, are 4 1/2 games back of the American League Central lead and 2 1/2 games behind the third and final AL Wild Card spot.
Roster Move
Before the game. the team shook up its bullpen.
Right-handed reliever Yunior
Tur’s MLB debut did not go well, as he allowed 14 runs in his first 2 2/3 innings. Hopefully Tur can work on what wrong at Triple-A, so he comes back to the majors more prepared to succeed.
The player replacing him, right-hander Luis Morales, has been one of the team’s biggest disappointments this season, struggling both in the big leagues and the minor leagues. With the A’s out of contention, getting Morales, a former top prospect, back on track would be a big boost for the pitching staff moving forward.
Game Preview
Left-hander Jacob Lopez will make the start for the A’s to kick off the series in the Twin Cities. The 28-year-old enters his 16th appearance and 13th start of the season with a 4-4 record, a 6.64 ERA, a 1.73 WHIP and 49 strikeouts over 59 2/3 innings.
Lopez made a successful return to the starting rotation in his most recent appearance, allowing just two runs on two hits and two walks in 4 1/3 innings. In that outing against the Washington Nationals, his pitch count was limited because it was his first true start since being recalled from Triple-A. Tonight, the A’s need Lopez to provide more length given the concerns surrounding their beleaguered bullpen. A quality start against a Twins lineup that has scored the seventh-most runs in the league would be a welcome sight for an A’s pitching staff that has endured significant struggles this season.
He’ll be opposed by Minnesota’s third-year right-hander Zebby Matthews, who enters his 13th start of the season with a 4-7 record, a 5.40 ERA, a 1.34 WHIP and 58 strikeouts over 70 innings. The 26-year-old is coming off a rough outing against the Chicago Cubs, allowing eight runs on nine hits in just three innings.
This will be Matthews’ second career start against the A’s. On June 4, 2025, he earned the win after holding the A’s to one run on four hits over five innings. However, he enters tonight’s game in poor form, so the Athletics’ injury-depleted offense must capitalize on any mistake pitches the young right-hander leaves over the plate.
The A’s will send out the following lineup against Matthews:
Nothing too surprising about this Athletics starting nine. Shortstop Jacob Wilson and third baseman Tommy White will look to continue their strong performances on this road trip. If the A’s want to win this Friday night contest, they will need production from the bottom of the order, where struggling right fielder Lawrence Butler and center fielder Henry Bolte will look to provide a spark.
Lopez will take on this Twins’ lineup:
Byron Buxton, one of the best center fielders in the sport, is the leader of the Twins offense. Lopez will also have to be careful when pitching to well-traveled designated hitter Josh Bell and catcher Ryan Jeffers, who could be a trade candidate at the upcoming deadline.
Time to get back on the winning side of things and generate some good vibes heading into the weekend. Let’s go A’s!
Follow the Game:
Watch:
Athletics – NBCSCA
Listen:
Athletics – Talk 650 KSTE, A’s Cast
