Spring Game Thread #15: A’s at Indians

The Oakland A’s are exactly halfway through their Cactus League spring training schedule, having completed 14 of their 28 exhibition games. The second half begins Monday, with the debut of a new player.

Outfielder Ka’ai Tom was taken from the Cleveland Indians in the Rule 5 draft a few months ago, but he hasn’t played yet this spring due to an oblique injury. He’s finally ready to go, and he’s in the lineup today batting leadoff and playing right field. And, because this is baseball, of course his first game comes against his old team, the Indians.

On the mound is Chris Bassitt, making his second start of the spring. The right-hander looked great his first time out, featuring a new slider that he learned from teammate Sergio Romo.

Oakland’s lineup includes a couple other interesting prospects, including second base candidate Vimael Machin, and backup catcher hopeful Aramis Garcia (at DH), and of course outfielder Buddy Reed. Both teams have a catcher named Perez batting eighth.

First pitch is (was) 1:05 p.m. PT. You can listen to the radio broadcast for free online at A’s Cast.

A’s lineup (away)

1. RF Ka’ai Tom (L)
2. 2B Pete Kozma (R)
3. SS Vimael Machin (L)
4. 3B Chad Pinder (R)
5. DH Aramis Garcia (R)
6. 1B Frank Schwindel (R)
7. LF Tony Kemp (L)
8. C Carlos Perez (R)
9. CF Buddy Reed (S)

• RHP Chris Bassitt

What will Buddy Reed do today??

Indians lineup (home)

1. 2B Cesar Hernandez (S)
2. LF Eddie Rosario (L)
3. 3B Jose Ramirez (S)
4. DH Franmil Reyes (R)
5. RF Josh Naylor (L)
6. 1B Jake Bauers (L)
7. SS Andres Gimenez (L)
8. C Roberto Perez (R)
9. CF Oscar Mercado (R)

• LHP Logan Allen

Let’s go Oakland!