While the Athletics’ new Las Vegas ballpark is not expected to open until 2028, the team is already giving local fans a taste of what is to come. After hosting a pair of spring training games in Nevada’s most populous city for the second straight year, the A’s will now play six regular-season games in Las Vegas this week.
Yesterday, the Green and Gold concluded a six-game road trip by defeating the Houston Astros to salvage the series finale and finish the week with a .500 record.
Tonight marks the
beginning of a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Las Vegas Ballpark, home of the team’s Triple-A affiliate, the Las Vegas Aviators. The Las Vegas Series will continue this weekend when the Colorado Rockies come to Sin City. These will be the first MLB games in Las Vegas since the Athletics played a handful of home games there during the 1996 season.
The A’s made a small roster move before this matchup:
It is good to see infielder Max Muncy back from the injured list. Muncy remained in Las Vegas after completing a seven-game rehab assignment with the Aviators.
Infielder Darell Hernáiz was optioned to Triple-A instead of Alika Williams, a somewhat notable roster decision. That said, Williams will likely join Hernaiz in Triple-A soon once A’s starting shortstop Jacob Wilson completes his current rehab assignment.
Left-hander Jeffrey Springs will make his 14th start of the season for the A’s. The 33-year-old enters this evening’s outing with a 3-6 record, a 4.37 ERA and 60 strikeouts over 70 innings pitched. He received a no-decision in his last start against the Chicago Cubs, allowing four runs on seven hits over 3 2/3 innings.
Springs has not recorded a win since April, a drought he hopes to end in one of the most homer-friendly ballparks in the minor leagues. The ball tends to carry well at Las Vegas Ballpark, as only the Rockies’ home field sits at a higher elevation among active MLB stadiums. That is a concerning sign for Springs, who has already surrendered 14 home runs this season.
Given the warm weather and hitter-friendly ballpark, the southpaw is likely to allow a long ball or two. However, if he can limit the damage and pitch deep into the game, he should give the Athletics a chance to emerge with the victory.
The A’s lineup for today’s game:
A’s manager Mark Kotsay is stacking tonight’s lineup with right-handed hitters against Milwaukee’s left-handed starter. Catcher Shea Langeliers will lead off, marking the third straight day the team has used a different player at the top of its order. The starting nine also features right-handed outfielders Colby Thomas and Henry Bolte in place of left-handed hitters Lawrence Butler and Carlos Cortes.
Zack Gelof has been solid defensively at third base over the past few weeks. With Max Muncy back from the injured list, Gelof moves back to his natural spot at second base. Muncy gets another look at the hot corner, a position he struggled to handle consistently before his injury.
The A’s offense will face Brewers’ left-hander Kyle Harrison, who has been excellent in his first season in Wisconsin. Harrison and flame throwing right-hander Jacob Misiorowski have formed a dynamic duo atop the Brewers’ rotation.
Milwaukee’s coaches have unlocked another level in Harrison’s game that the San Francisco Giants and Boston Red Sox were unable to tap into. The Bay Area native is 7-1 with a 1.57 ERA and 73 strikeouts through his first 11 starts with the Brewers. The A’s offense will need to be patient, capitalize on hittable pitches, and take advantage of the hitter-friendly environment against one of the National League’s top pitchers.
And Milwaukee’s starting nine:
The Brewers remain in first place in part due to a well-rounded roster. While their pitching staff, led by Misiorowski, has drawn attention, their offense has also been a key factor, ranking fifth in the majors in runs scored. Brice Turang and William Contreras have been among the league’s most productive hitters at their respective positions. Along with Jackson Chourio and Christian Yelich, they help form a Brewers’ lineup that presents a difficult test for opposing pitchers. As a result, Springs will need to pitch carefully and efficiently to avoid another short outing.
Time to make it two consecutive wins. Let’s go A’s!
Follow the Game:
Watch:
Athletics – NBCSCA
