Game Thread #38: A’s at Red Sox

The Oakland A’s and the Boston Red Sox continue their series at Fenway Park on Wednesday, and the winner will end the night with the best record in the American League. The two clubs are tied at 22-15, atop the West and East divisions.

The A’s send a rookie to the mound in James Kaprielian. The right-hander made his MLB debut last season but will now make his first start in the majors. He’s one of the Top 10 prospects in the team’s farm system, and his stock is held back more by injury risk than talent level. He’s here today to replace an injury in the rotation, but he’s a legit prospect who was going to appear at some point this summer one way or other.

Boston starts Eduardo Rodriguez, for his seventh start of the year. The southpaw has an excellent strikeout as usual but has slashed his walks so far.

A’s lineup (away)

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

• RHP James Kaprielian

Piscotty against the lefty.

Red Sox lineup (home)

1. 2B Marwin Gonzalez (S)
2. CF Alex Verdugo (L)
3. DH J.D. Martinez (R)
4. SS Xander Bogaerts (R)
5. 3B Rafael Devers (L)
6. C Christian Vasquez (R)
7. RF Hunter Renfroe (R)
8. LF Franchy Cordero (L)
9. 1B Michael Chavis (R)

• LHP Eduardo Rodriguez

Let’s Go Oakland!

How To Watch

• Date: Wednesday, May 12
• Time: 4:10 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