Game Thread #5: A’s vs. Dodgers

The Oakland A’s are 0-4 to begin the 2021 season, which isn’t how anybody hoped the year would start. But today is as good a day as any to get that first win.

With the Houston Astros finally out of town, the A’s welcome the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday, for three games. The opener puts Frankie Montas on the mound for his season debut, after his spring ended early due to a torn cuticle on his pitching hand. The right-hander was acquired by Oakland from the Dodgers in 2016, in the trade for Rich Hill and Josh Reddick.

The A’s lineup gets back catcher Sean Murphy, who was hit by a pitch Opening Day and then missed the next three games with a right wrist contusion. However, CF Ramon Laureano is still out for now with a jammed left wrist, and super-sub Chad Pinder went on the injured list today with a sprained knee.

On the bright side, top pitching prospect A.J. Puk was called up and is available in the bullpen.

If you’re panicking over how badly the Astros series went, here are a few bright spots you might have missed.

A’s lineup (home)

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

• RHP Frankie Montas

Kemp gets his first outfield start of the year.

Dodgers lineup (away)

1. RF Mookie Betts (R)
2. SS Corey Seager (L)
3. 3B Justin Turner (R)
4. CF Cody Bellinger (L)
5. C Will Smith (R)
6. DH Max Muncy (L)
7. 2B Chris Taylor (R)
8. 1B Edwin Rios (L)
9. LF Zach McKinstry (L)

• RHP Dustin May

Let’s Go Oakland!

How To Watch

• Date: Monday, April 5
• Time: 6:40 p.m. PT
• TV (local): NBC Sports California
• Radio: 960 AM (more listings here)
• Streaming (listen): A’s Cast