Division leading Rangers visit Oakland A’s for 4-game series
May 11, 2023, 12:28 PM
JJ Bleday #33 of the Oakland Athletics celebrates his seventh inning home run against the New York Yankees with his teammates in the dugout at Yankee Stadium on May 10, 2023 in Bronx, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
On the heels of being swept by the New York Yankees, the Oakland A’s return home to host leaders of their division.
As the only team remaining to crack double-digit wins, the A’s game up 11 runs in their final outing in New York, and 28 total to the Yankees, who got their first sweep of the season.
Harrison Bader got things started for New York on Wednesday, with a three-run shot. A’s manager Mark Kotsay challenged the home run because as right fielder JJ Bleday attempted to rob the Yankees of runs, a fan appeared to reach over the railing and caught the ball. His challenge went unsuccessful and after the game, Kotsay explained why he understood the call.
“There wasn’t interference in terms of the play with our defender, but it did look as if the glove reached over the wall but really hard to tell,” Kotsay said.
This home run call was upheld after being reviewed for fan interference … 🧐 pic.twitter.com/AEFKDfO8TY
— A's on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) May 10, 2023
With the Yankees in their rearview mirror, the A’s pivot the AL West-leading Texas Rangers, who are 22-14 on the year. While the runs are coming sporadically for the A’s, there are a few bright spots.
Bleday goes into Thursday’s game against the Rangers riding a seven-game winning streak. Called up from the Las Vegas Aviators, the A’s Triple-A affiliate, just over a week ago, the A’s outfielder is 11-for-29 (.379) with three homers and three doubles.
The Oakland A’s added JJ Bleday just before spring training this year in a trade with the Miami Marlins.
Probable starting pitchers for the Oakland A’s
- Thursday, May 11th – TBD vs. Nathan Eovaldi (4-2, 3.22 ERA) – 6:40 PM PST
- Friday, May 12th – Ken Waldichuk (1-2, 7.25 ERA) vs. Martin Perez (4-1, 3.86 ERA) – 6:40 PM PST
- Saturday, May 13th – JP Sears (0-3, 5.54) vs. Jon Gray (2-1, 3.82 ERA) – 1:07 PM PST
- Sunday, May 14th – Drew Rucinski (0-3, 8.16) vs. Andrew Heaney (2-3, 5.25 ERA) – 1:10 PM PST
Upcoming Oakland A’s schedule
- Thursday, May 11th – Sunday, May 14th – Texas Rangers
- Monday, May 15 – Wednesday, May 7 – Arizona Diamondbacks
- Friday, May 19 – Sunday, May 21 @ Houston Astros
- Monday, May 22 – Thursday, May 25 @ Seattle Mariners
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