Game Thread #109: Athletics vs Brewers

Today begins a trio of NL Central matchups for the Athletics as they take on the Brewers in this interleague game. With a day off between today and the sensational Khris Davis walk-off walk in their last game against Texas, the Athletics are rested and ready to go.

The A’s next three opponents: the Brewers, Cardinals, and Cubs are all sitting at 56 wins and the Brewers are only behind due to a few extra losses. This gives the A’s a chance to either be a great spoiler for at least one of the teams as they head down the stretch, or act as a consistent force if they manage to level all three out over the next eight games.

The trade deadline is also looming, less than 24 hours until there are no more transactions for the rest of the season, as 2019 brings the unified trade deadline. Rumours are still swirling about A’s shopping for starters and relievers, aside from the previous acquisitions of Homer Bailey and Jake Diekman from the Royals. The Mets have upended the starter market by listening to offers on Syndergaard and Wheeler, but also acquiring Marcus Stroman from the Blue Jays, Stroman was also a potential A’s target. Pay attention assorts and Beane are sure to be busy before tomorrow afternoon.

Lineups:

Lineup Notes:

• Bassitt is on the mound again, Most of his last start against Houston went well, retiring his first 7 batters, but also surrendering a pair of homers that did the A’s in.
• The A’s line-up is mostly unchanged, through a bit reordered from their last bout, Profar batting 9th, and Herrmann 6th in the order.
• Brewers starter Adrian Houser has had a rough couple starts in his last few appearances, being relegated to the bullpen since the middle of July.