Game Thread #27: A's vs. Orioles

Home sweet home! The Oakland A’s return to the Coliseum after a trip to the worst stadium in the majors, and they’ll spend 10 days on the homestand playing against three different opponents. First up are the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, in a rematch from last weekend when the A’s took two of three.

Oakland sends Mike Fiers to the mound to make his 2021 season debut. The right-hander missed the spring to a hip/back injury and went on the IL before Opening Day, but he’s since been activated and will now get his first start.

However, the A’s lineup will have a tough test in John Means. When Oakland won the last series between these clubs, it was Means who led Baltimore to victory in the series finale, keeping them quiet into the 7th inning. The southpaw has a 1.50 ERA and 3.36 FIP this year, and Statcast also likes his work (.284 xwOBA).

A’s lineup (home)

1. LF Mark Canha (R)
2. CF Ramon Laureano (R)
3. DH Jed Lowrie (S)
4. C Sean Murphy (R)
5. 3B Matt Chapman (R)
6. 1B Mitch Moreland (L)
7. RF Stephen Piscotty (R)
8. SS Elvis Andrus (R)
9. 2B Tony Kemp (L)

• RHP Mike Fiers

Same lineup as yesterday, but with a season debut in the starting pitcher spot.

Orioles lineup (away)

1. CF Cedric Mullins (L)
2. LF Austin Hays (R)
3. DH Trey Mancini (R)
4. RF DJ Stewart (L)
5. 1B Ryan Mountcastle (R)
6. 3B Rio Ruiz (L)
7. 2B Pat Valaika (R)
8. C Chance Sisco (L)
9. SS Ramon Urias (R)

• LHP John Means

Let’s Go Oakland!

How To Watch

• Date: Friday, April 30
• Time: 6:40 p.m. PT
• TV (local): NBC Sports California
• Radio: 960 AM (more listings here)
• Streaming (watch): NBCS website (with cable sub)
• Streaming (listen): A’s Cast