Earlier this week, the Athletics opened the final week and homestand of the season by sweeping the Los Angeles Angels in a brief two-game series. Now that the A’s are no longer at risk of losing 100 games, they can turn their attention to keeping the Houston Astros out of the playoffs by winning this season-ending, four-game series.
A’s right-hander Mason Barnett will make his final start of the season this evening. The 25-year-old enters his 20th game and sixth start with a 1-4 record, a 7.16 ERA, a 1.75 WHIP and 42 strikeouts in 44 innings.
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After scuffling in a brief five-start cameo last season, Barnett has failed to take a step forward during an extended big-league opportunity. Over his last seven appearances, the right-hander has significantly struggled, going 0-4 with a 10.27 ERA and a 2.20 WHIP while handing out nearly as many walks as strikeouts. Barnett received a no-decision in his last start against the Cleveland Guardians after allowing three runs on seven hits and four walks in 3 1/3 innings.
The Athletics would greatly appreciate a quality start from Barnett tonight against a playoff-hungry Astros lineup. He will look to match his performance from June 5, when he shut out Houston over four innings. However, if Barnett falters, the Green and Gold will likely have to turn to their bullpen earlier than expected for a third consecutive game.
Here’s the A’s lineup for the series opener:
The Athletics are rocking with the same lineup that scored 16 runs against the Angels over the past two days. Center fielder Henry Bolte, who recorded four hits yesterday, could receive some down-ballot Rookie of the Year votes after showcasing his electric five-tool skill set throughout his first season.
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Second baseman Donovan Walton and shortstop Alika Williams have taken advantage of increased playing time over the past few weeks. If the 2027 season is not cancelled by a lockout, these two will surely be at the forefront of the competition for the backup infielder/utility roles on next season’s A’s roster.
The A’s offense has benefited from Shea Langeliers’ return. With Langeliers limited to designated hitter duties, Jonah Heim may have to catch the final four games if backup catcher Brian Serven is unable to recover from the injury he suffered last night.
As for Houston, right-hander Peter Lambert will make his final start of the season. The 29-year-old is finishing a career-best campaign in his return to MLB following a season spent in Japan with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. Lambert enters his 28th start with an 8-10 record, a 3.70 ERA, a 1.23 WHIP and 147 strikeouts in 151 innings.
Lambert is riding a seven-start winless streak, yet his latest outings have been solid. The right-hander took the loss in his last start against the Atlanta Braves despite allowing just two runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings. On June 5, Lambert earned the win after holding the Athletics to one run over 5 1/3 innings. He will look to repeat that performance today against an A’s squad hoping to play spoiler.
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And the Astros’ starting nine shapes up like this:
Nothing surprising in the Astros’ lineup, other than rookie Lucas Spence starting in center field. While American League MVP front-runner Yordan Alvarez is the main threat, Jeremy Pena, Isaac Paredes and Jose Altuve are also primed to capitalize on any mistake pitches Barnett leaves over the middle of the plate.
Time to play spoiler and make it three straight wins. Let’s go, A’s!
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