​Okay, so the first two games haven’t fallen in our favor and the club now sits on a five-game losing streak. That just means it’s time to snap the skid and get back on track. It’s time.
Today the A’s will deploy an opener/bulk pitcher approach, turning to left-handed reliever Jose Suarez to start the first inning. He’ll be followed by right-hander Jack Perkins. The 26-year-old has really struggled since returning to the rotation, posting an ugly 8.10 ERA over six starts. The season is slipping away quickly, so it might be worth sticking with the young right-hander a bit longer and letting him work through it. Maybe today he can piece it together and finally turn the corner. We’ll see, though, since his last appearance saw him allow seven earned runs. It’s hard to win when your starter powers the other team’s scoreboard, so hopefully this change in roles can spark something.
Here’s how the A’s will line up this afternoon in Detroit for the finale: Nick Kurtz returns to the lineup at first base after exiting last night’s game. He’s healthy enough to start, though he’ll serve as the designated hitter while Jonah Heim handles first base duties. Kurtz will bat second, behind today’s third baseman and leading off man Joshua Kuroda-Grauer. Our middle infield pair of Jacob Wilson and Alika Williams will handle shortstop and second base, respectively.
Tyler Soderstrom has been activated from the injured list, but he’ll sit this one out, allowing Zack Gelof to start in left field. Gelof will be flanked by Henry Bolte in center and Colby Thomas in right.
Across the diamond, the Tigers will counter with high-powered lefty Framber Valdez, making his 19th start of the season. The former big-name free-agent signee hasn’t quite lived up to the lofty expectations that came with the contract, but he has been serviceable for Detroit with a 4.29 ERA in the AL Central. Here’s a look at Detroit’s lineup today: top to bottom, one through nine, all part of a team that enters this stretch with a tough climb ahead.
In the broader context, Detroit sits at 3-9 in their past 10 games and currently owns the third-worst record in the American League. They’ve endured a five-game skid themselves and sit five games out of a playoff spot, making this a desperation moment for both clubs. It’s a tense, playoff-like atmosphere as these teams clash. Let’s go, A’s!
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