Game Thread #82: A’s vs. Rangers

Welcome to the second half of the Oakland A’s 2021 season! The All-Star break isn’t for a couple more weeks, but mathematically speaking we are 81 games into the 162-game schedule. Wednesday brings Game #82, putting us past the 50% mark.

The A’s are in a bit of a slump lately, but they’re still in strong position at 47-34. That’s second place in their division by 1.5 games, and tied for the top Wild Card spot, only 2.5 away from the best record in the entire American League. We know they could be even higher, but this ain’t bad.

Even better, it’s Chris Bassitt Day, as the rotation’s ace takes his turn on the hill. He faced the Texas Rangers last time out and chewed through seven innings of one-run ball, and now he’ll get another chance against the same opponent. In Oakland’s lineup, new callup Frank Schwindel gets his first start in an A’s uniform, as the DH. Click here to read more about Schwindel, who last played in the majors in 2019 for the Royals.

A’s lineup (home)

1. CF Ramon Laureano (R)
2. SS Elvis Andrus (R)
3. 1B Matt Olson (L)
4. 3B Matt Chapman (R)
5. LF Chad Pinder (R)
6. 2B Jed Lowrie (S)
7. C Sean Murphy (R)
8. DH Frank Schwindel (R)
9. RF Skye Bolt (S)

• RHP Chris Bassitt

Frank the Tank!

Rangers lineup (away)

1. SS Isiah Kiner-Falefa (R)
2. DH Brock Holt (L)
3. CF Adolis Garcia (R)
4. RF Joey Gallo (L)
5. 1B Nate Lowe (L)
6. LF Eli White (R)
7. C Jonah Heim (S)
8. 2B Nick Solak (R)
9. 3B Andy Ibañez (R)

• LHP Kolby Allard

How To Watch

• Date: Wednesday, June 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