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I've neutralized Seth Smith with my laudatory alliteration (he's 0-for-10 for the series), consigned the Astros to a series loss by insisting that they be respected, reawakened Miguel Cabrera, the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Los Angeles Angels by noting how terrible they've been at the plate, caught the Yankees stealing twice after applauding their great base stealers, welcomed the defending champions by taking two out of three from them, and so on.
So having listed all these accomplishments opposite from my previewed sentiments, let me preview today's game by saying that Felix Hernandez will attempt to throw MLB's 24th perfect game when the A's face the Mariners at 12:35. He would be the first pitcher to do it twice, having thrown MLB's 23rd perfect game on August 15, 2012.
Opposing Hernandez's bid for history is the "Throwin' Samoan," Sean Manaea, who hopes to move past the wildness he displayed in his major league debut (4 walks, one hit batter) and go deeper into this one as the A's try to salvage one game out of this series.
Today should be the last game before Danny Valencia is activated from the disabled list. He'll play one last game for the Stockton Ports tonight.
Billy Butler gets inserted at DH today. The A's still won't face a left-handed starting pitcher until Tuesday, when Henry Owens is on turn to pitch the second game of the Red Sox series.
The game will be televised on MLB Network simulcasting the visiting broadcast.
