Game Thread #12: A’s at Astros

Just two weeks ago, I wrote a scathing review of the front office’s choice to stuff Aaron Brooks into the A’s opening day rotation (summary: stop trying to make Aaron Brooks happen). It seemed at the time that the only rationale for the move was to maintain depth, even at the cost of having a higher quality option in his place (Mengden or Bassitt). Knowing the A’s would need every single win they could squeeze out to have another shot at October, this was an extremely frustrating decision.

As things go, Brook’s start was pushed back a day and I cut that paragraph from my piece, ready to unleash it upon the first sign of trouble. Fast forward two weeks and here I am, mustering all the strength I have to contain all my pessimism after Brooks laid waste to the world champion Red Sox. In that start, he outdueled a former Cy Young winner, struck out the reigning AL MVP, threw six shutout innings against a terrifying lineup (in theory, at least), and earned his first win of the season. Fortunately for my internet reputation, no one will ever have to see my rant and I can say I believed in Aaron Brooks all along! That is, until he pitches like Aaron Brooks should, at which point I’ll tear him to pieces.

But for now, Aaron Brooks is our guy! First, the 2018 World Series champions, and today, the 2017 champs. Give him the Cubs, Royals, and Giants next. Aaron Brooks can do anything!

I could write about Aaron Brooks all day, for better or for worse, but let’s get to today’s lineup:

Notably, after Nico wrote his Jurickson Profar piece, the team’s coldest hitter is getting the day off. With lefty Wade Miley on the mound, it was a good day to give Pinder some work, along with Canha in left field.

Here’s Houston’s lineup (not that it matters to Aaron Brooks):

1. DH George Springer
2. 2B Jose Altuve
3. 3B Alex Bregman
4. LF Michael Brantley
5. SS Carlos Correa
6. 1B Yuli Gurriel
7. RF Josh Reddick
8. C Robinson Chirinos
9. CF Jake Marisnick

Let’s go Oakland!