Following three straight disappointing performances to open spring training, the Athletics will host the Milwaukee Brewers this afternoon, each team looking for their first Cactus League victory.
Right-handed pitcher Mason Barnett will start today for the A’s. The A’s acquired Barnett from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for reliever Lucas Erceg at the 2024 MLB trade deadline. He spent most of last season pitching for the A’s Triple-A affiliate before getting promoted and starting five games for the A’s in September.
Barnett struggled in his first MLB opportunity, going 1-1 with a 6.85 ERA over those five outings. With multiple pitchers seemingly ahead of him on the depth chart, it seems likely that Barnett starts 2026 in Triple-A as the next man up should one of the A’s pitchers get hurt. However, if Barnett pitches well this spring and others falter or suffer injuries, he could earn a spot on the A’s Opening Day roster.
After Barnett, relievers Hogan Harris, Justin Sterner, Eduarniel Nuñez and Scott Barlow are lined up to pitch for the first time this spring. Barlow, one of the A’s free agents signed this offseason, has the ability and experience to provide a major boost to the team’s bullpen, if he can limit the number of walks allowed.
Here’s how the A’s starting lineup looks today:
With the A’s back at Hohokam Stadium, all of the regulars are in the team’s starting lineup. The top has a bit of a wrinkle as Shea Langeliers will bat first today instead of Nick Kurtz who moves down to the second spot in the order. Additionally, Darell Hernaiz gets the start at third base today after impressing yesterday with multiple hits.
This lineup could very well be how the A’s roll out Opening Day in Toronto, with the exception of Junior Perez who is the lone prospect in the starting nine. Perez is playing because Lawrence Butler is still rehabbing from offseason knee surgery and not ready for game action yet. Hopefully this lineup will score more than two runs and give the A’s a stronger chance to win.
Here’s how the Brewers will line up for their game today against the Athletics:
Not a lot of starters in the Brewers lineup today aside from Sal Frelick and Brice Turang at the top two spots. The rest of their lineup is a mix of backups and prospects. What do you expect to see from Barnett today? Do you think he will positively contribute to the A’s this season?
Who is ready for more spring baseball? Time to secure that first win. Let’s go A’s!
