Athletics Begin Homestand Against Mariners as Playoff Race Heats Up

SACRAMENTO, California

The Oakland Athletics return to Sutter Health Park on Monday night to face the Seattle Mariners, marking the beginning of a key weeklong homestand. After completing a successful 5-2 road trip, the A’s aim to keep their momentum against the first-place Mariners.

Taking the mound for Oakland will be veteran right-hander Luis Severino, who shines with a 3.30 ERA this season. Severino is coming off four strong outings and hopes to replicate his outstanding performance from Opening Day against the Mariners. In that game, he pitched six shutout innings but did not earn a victory.

The Athletics’ lineup for the opening game features Miguel Andujar, who returns to third base after primarily playing left field this season. His return is crucial as he boasts a .326 batting average, adding strength to the team against the Mariners’ pitcher Bryce Miller, who holds a 3.52 ERA but has shown inconsistency this year.

Andujar’s move from left field to third base comes as the A’s seek to optimize their lineup against their divisional rivals. Tyler Soderstrom will continue in left field, while Nick Kurtz manning first base. The A’s are eager to improve their standing in the American League West by securing a win over Seattle.

Seattle’s lineup includes standout catcher Cal Raleigh, who leads the league with 12 home runs. As they look to maintain their division lead, the Mariners hope Miller can deliver a strong performance following a recent outing where he threw five shutout innings.

Tonight’s matchup holds significant implications as a win for the A’s could bring them level in the win column with the Mariners, heightening the competitive atmosphere of this critical series.