Also, keep an eye on today's starting pitchers throughout the American League: Their turns fall on Friday for a possible one-game WC playoff. For the A's, that's Tommy Milone. For the O's, it's Joe Saunders. For the Yankees, it's Philip Hughes. And for the Angels, it's Zack Greinke (clearly the choice over Ervin Santana, also pitching in today's double-header).
One caveat is that if any team clinches before Wednesday, they could hold their Wednesday starter out, but let's face it: It's unlikely that the entire picture is going to be clarified before Wednesday. And who knows which teams might have an extra game to play on Thursday? Including the A's.
Opposing Milone today is another pitcher with an excellent changeup: Erasmo Ramirez, who gave the A's fits at Safeco Field on June 25th to the tune of 8 IP, 3 hits, 1 ER, 1 BB, 10 K. He also pitched an inning of relief against them on September 7th, striking out 2 in a 1-2-3 inning. Ruh-roh.
Today's starting lineups:
