A few weeks ago, the Athletics were sitting on top of the AL West. Now they’ve fallen all the way to fourth, a quick slide that has changed the feel around the club in a hurry.
Even with the drop, the A’s are still only a game and a half out of the Wild Card picture. That’s where things get crowded in a hurry, and tiebreakers could wind up mattering. The source points to a mix of teams that could be tangled up in that race, including the Guardians (2-1), Astros (1-2), A’s (3-0), Orioles (4-3) and Twins (3-4).
The skid has come after back-to-back series losses, first against the Giants in San Francisco and then against the last-place Angels. That stretch has pushed the A’s into a tougher spot in the division, and the next test doesn’t offer much relief: they’re opening a series against the Dodgers, the defending World Series champions.
Health has played a major role in the recent slide. Zack Gelof went on the Injured List just days ago, and ace Luis Severino has already been sidelined for weeks. More recently, shortstop Jacob Wilson has also been out after leaving for a pinch hitter in the ninth inning against the Giants, following a slide into home that aggravated his shoulder.
Wilson’s shoulder has been a persistent problem this season, and there’s real concern he could miss more time. He’s being evaluated in Sacramento, and the team should learn soon whether he’ll go on the IL or be cleared to return.
Tyler Soderstrom also exited Saturday’s game with an injury and will be evaluated in Sacramento as well. That’s another hit for an offense that has leaned on his bat over the last few weeks.
With June still rolling along and the A’s still close enough to matter, the front office may have work to do before the trade deadline. Casey Mize and Sandy Alcantara have been mentioned as possible starting pitching fits.
That kind of move would cost something, but the opportunity is there. The American League is open, and if the A’s can get healthier and add help, they could still put themselves in a strong position for the postseason.
In Other News...
Former Dodgers Utility Man Is Closing The Book On Baseball
Sheldon Neuses baseball path has taken a few different turns since he first broke into the majors, and now the former utility man is signaling the end of the road. Neuse, who spent time with the Nationals, Athletics, Dodgers and later the Hanshin Tigers in Japan, announced the move on his personal social media account, closing out a career that included more than a brief run through the big leagues.
For Oakland fans, Neuse is a familiar name from a career that brought him to the As after a trade from Washington and back again for his final MLB stop in 2022. His versatility made him useful wherever he landed, but with his playing days now behind him, the question around his next chapter is whether his post-baseball life will keep him tied to the game at all. [Read more 🡒]
Shea Langeliers Is Suddenly On The Verge Of Rare As History
Shea Langeliers has put himself in position to give the Athletics something they have not had behind the plate in a long time. The As catcher advanced to the final phase of All-Star voting as the leading American League catcher in fan support, a reflection of the strong season he has put together while becoming one of the more productive players at his position.
Now the decision shifts to a head-to-head vote with Alejandro Kirk, and the stakes stretch beyond one more summer showcase. Langeliers has given the As legitimate All-Star-level production and earned praise from Mark Kotsay for the way he has handled the season, but the chance to join rare franchise company is still hanging there until the fans finish the job. [Read more 🡒]
Athletics Hit A Defining Stretch They Cant Afford To Waste
The Athletics have spent the last stretch trying to bank wins against a softer part of the schedule, and the results have been uneven. They split their last six games against the Angels and have hovered around .500 against a run of opponents that, on paper, have not offered much margin for error, a tricky place to be when every game can matter in the A.L. West race.
The challenge gets sharper from here. Oakland is heading into a tougher run with the Dodgers and Marlins on deck before a series with the Tigers, and it will have to keep its footing while working around a string of injuries that has already unsettled the roster. Aaron Civale is back but still finding his rhythm, Zack Gelof is sidelined after a freak accident, and Tyler Soderstrom was the latest to go down in the most recent Angels loss. [Read more 🡒]