Coming off two unpleasant losses to the Angels, both games largely the result of a shaky bullpen, the best solution for a rebound would be for the A's to trot out their best pitcher this season, a one-time reliever himself, who is now sporting a sub 2.00 ERA, and is a near shoo-in to represent the A's in the All-Star game a second time, Justin Duchscherer. Opposing Duchscherererererer and the A's is the White Sox' Javier Vázquez, who enters the game with a middling 7-6 record and 4.49 ERA, but has the ability to make batters swing and miss, racking up 104 K's so far on the campaign, good enough for fifth in the league.
Looking to swing and make contact is an intriguing A's lineup that features Ellis and a returned Ryan Sweeney at the top of the order, Suzuki in the 3 spot, and an entertaining Cust, CarGon and Bankston following in the 4-5-6 positions. With Chavez on the DL, his left side of the infield partner, Bobby Crosby will also be sitting, in favor of Donnie Murphy. Will the A's lineup have enough to beat out the Sox's strong offense against the Duke? We'll see.
Game time is at 7:11 Central time. Get me a Slurpee. It's hot out.
