Game Thread #78: A’s vs. Rays

Greetings and Happy Friday, AN!

Not so happy, you say? I feel you. Less than 24 hours ago, Frankie Montas made one of the most impressive starts of his career and Matt Chapman pounded a walk-off home run to secure the A’s most glorious comeback win of the season. But now we’re reeling in the shock of Frankie Montas’s 80 game banned substance suspension, handed down by MLB today. That’s right, another of Oakland’s best pitchers has been sidelined, just as the A’s are building momentum with a four game winning streak.

So what do we do now? Wallow in dismay? Perish the thought! We shall soldier on and cheer on our beloved Oakland Athletics to do the same. The second game of the A’s (40-36) series at home against the Tampa Bay Rays (43-32) is about to begin. The Rays are on a streak of their own—a losing one, now four games running.

The A’s will look to stretch their win streak to five games with newcomer Tanner Anderson (0-1, 3.27) making his third start of the season. The Rays will go with an opener for the 24th time this season, premiering righty Andrew Kittredge (0-0, 5.40 ERA) in the short-start role. Let’s go, Oakland!

Today’s Lineups: