A’s vs. Astros game thread

Looking to get back in the win column against their rivals

After yesterday’s off-day the club begins their nine-game, three-city road trip tonight. First stop: Houston, to take on the Astros in the first of three in what will be their final matchup of the season.

Oakland was previously scheduled to go to Osvaldo Bido for tonight’s start but instead he was placed on the IL this afternoon with right wrist tendonitis. Instead the club will push their rotation up a day and turn to left-hander JP Sears for tonight’s game. He was previously scheduled to go tomorrow for game two.

Sears has had his ups and downs this season but has been a rotation mainstay, something the club needed desperately at different points this season. His season ERA stands at a decent 4.34 mark but he’s been on a roll of late, posting a 3.18 ERA over his past seven outings, though his most recent start saw him yield five runs to the Mariners. He’ll be looking to bounce back and secure win #12 for him on the season.

Here is how Oakland will line up for the series kick off:

As you may have noticed we have a new name atop the lineup. This will be Jacob Wilson’s first time batting leadoff for the A’s, taking over for regular leadoff guy Lawrence Butler, who is dealing with a virus bouncing around the clubhouse and is getting the day off. We’ll also welcome back first baseman Ryan Noda to the major league roster after spending most of the season in Triple-A.

That lineup will be going up against Astros rookie right-hander Spencer Arrighetti. He’s done commendable in his first taste of major league action but there’s no question he’s a weak link in the Houston rotation. The A’s would be smart to jump on him wary and often in this one. It could turn into a slugfest tonight.

Houston’s lineup for game one:

Let’s snap this losing streak, shall we? Let’s go A’s!