Spring Game Thread #19: A’s vs DBacks

St. Patrick’s Day for the A’s began with a sickening hangover, as it was reported that Jake Smolinski’s injury will likely cause him to miss most of the season. While perhaps this was to be expected, with the scarcity of viable big-league capable options who are (at the very least) able to fake it at each outfield position in the A’s organization, this is a rather big blow to the team. Smolinski is likely to return in the later months of this season, so it won’t be an entirely lost campaign for him, and particularly when rosters expand in September he is a strong lefty-killer who can provide a valuable service off of the bench. At the very least, Smolinski’s injury will open up a spot for someone like Mark Canha or Jaycob Brugman or Alejandro de Aza to step up in his stead. De Aza, getting the start today, may have had a leg up on Smolinski anyways, especially given his handedness and play style.

Following Andrew Triggs’ less than stellar start yesterday, Raul Alcantara will be looking to get a leg up in the competition for the final starting spot in the rotation. Today he will be taking on the Arizona Diamondbacks. First pitch is at 1:05. Lineups are below.

For the A’s: 1- Joyce RF, Lowrie 2B, 3- Healy 3B, 4- K Davis LF, 5- Vogt DH, 6- Semien SS, 7- Alonso 1B, 8- Phegley C, 9- De Aza CF

For the Diamondbacks: 1- Marte SS, 2- Herrmann C, 3- Drury 2B, 4- Lamb 3B, 5- Owings RF, 6- Arcia LF, 7- Negron 1B, 8- Marzilli CF, 9 Bradley P