Game Thread #19: A's at Toronto

Today's game has Eric Surkamp (0-1, 3.68 ERA) going head-to-head with Drew Hutchison who has taken the 90 minute drive from AAA Buffalo to Toronto to make a "spot start." It's an interesting move by the Blue Jays as they consider a "sixth starter" as a way of giving their starting rotation a little breather, a rotation that has pitched 117 innings. While the Cubs have thrown 119, most teams sit between 90-100. Our boys? 102. Adding that extra day of rest seems prudent, however, given that Toronto has a stretch of 29 games in 30 days. Hutchison is expected to return to Buffalo after the game.

Hutchison, you may remember, was the 2015 Opening Day starter but ended up OFF the post-season roster, possibly because of his 5.57 ERA. He hasn't done a great deal better in AAA Buffalo this season with a record of 0-1 and a 4.11 ERA over 15.33 innings.

Left-hander Eric Surkamp (0-1, 3.68ERA) has failed to complete six innings in his first two starts of the season. In our most recent sweep of the Bronx Bombers on Tuesday he went 5 and 2/3rds giving up 7 hits and 3 walks while striking out 3. Depending on his performance today, we may see our own AAA movement and a switch out of Jesse Hahn for Eric Surkamp. For many A's fans, this is expected and welcomed. Hahn had a solid outing on Friday in Nashville as he pushes back from a sprained elbow.

Also note: Lowrie has the day off with a sore calf. Coco also has a day off for rest.

For you scorekeepers out there, here's the starting lineup. Sharpen a couple of extra pencils. It could be a hit-fest!