Spring Game Thread #9: A’s at Padres

Editor’s note: Please welcome Jennifer Rainwater, who is joining Athletics Nation this season! She’ll be helping us out with some news, analysis, and game coverage. You may have seen her work over the years at sites like FanRag, Call To The Pen, and Prospects1500.

Saturday the A’s lost their fifth straight spring training game against the San Diego Padres at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa. The team hopes to stop this losing streak today, once again facing off against the Padres, this time at the Padres’ spring home the Peoria Sports Complex.

They hope to do so with more consistent pitching, along with the return of third baseman Matt Chapman to the lineup. Chapman, who has been out with an injured right hand, crushed the ball in batting practice Saturday prompting manager Bob Melvin to start him in the number four spot today.

Lineup:

1. Franklin Barreto, SS
2. Chad Pinder, 1B
3. Matt Joyce, DH
4. Matt Chapman, 3B
5. Jake Smolinski, LF
6. Mark Canha, RF
7. Sheldon Neuse, 2B
8. Josh Phegley, C
9. Boog Powell, CF

While it’s still early, A’s projected Opening Day starter Kendall Graveman agreed with Melvin’s assessment after Saturday’s 10-4 loss, that the A’s pitchers need to tighten things up before the start of the season.

Frankie Montas will take the mound to start the game for the A’s today and try to do just that. Following his start, the list of available pitchers for today’s game looks like this: Daniel Coulombe, Jarret Martin, Yusmeiro Petit, Chris Hatcher, Blake Treinen, Chris Bassitt, Lou Trivino, Nolan Blackwood and Tucker Healy.

Lefty Clayton Richard will start the game for the Padres. Both he and Montas each allowed two runs over two innings pitched during their first spring starts. This is the second start for both pitchers as well.