Phillies Face New-Look Athletics Amid Long Losing Streak

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Philadelphia Phillies are in California’s capital, riding a seven-game winning streak after defeating the struggling Pittsburgh Pirates and Colorado Rockies. The Oakland Athletics, however, are in a tailspin, losing nine straight games, the longest active streak in Major League Baseball this season.

Once competitive in the American League West, the Athletics have now found themselves at the bottom of the division standings. After a promising start in early May, a series of setbacks has since led to their current woes.

In a bid to turn their season around, the Athletics made several changes on Friday. They called up five players from their triple-A affiliate in Las Vegas, including top prospect Denzel Clarke, who is expected to make his debut in center field against the Phillies.

Additionally, the team designated their longest-tenured player, Seth Brown, for assignment. The Athletics have also altered their starting pitcher lineup, with Jacob Lopez taking the mound on Friday instead of originally scheduled left-hander Jeffrey Springs.

Lopez comes into the game with a 3.86 ERA over four appearances this season. Phillies manager Rob Thomson acknowledged the adjustments, saying, “It’s some work. But we have so many people now that can do the work. You just split up the work, get it done, and get a report on everybody.”

Meanwhile, the Phillies have also been adjusting their lineup. Edmundo Sosa, who had been getting more outfield reps during spring training, made a single start in left on April 8 but has not played in the outfield since April 17. He started at second base on Friday with Lopez pitching.

Thomson stated that while Sosa’s outfield work is not a priority with Weston Wilson returning from the injured list, they’re still preparing him for any emergencies. “With Willy here now, that gives him an opportunity to play too against lefties,” Thomson noted.

As both teams face each other, the outcome of this game could impact their respective trajectories for the remainder of the season.