The Athletics left the series against the Rays empty-handed, but a few individual performances still stood out in an otherwise frustrating stretch.
Tommy White was the clearest position-player bright spot, even if his work didn’t exactly jump off the page. He finished with three hits, and all of them came in Game 2.
That kind of production was enough to land him on the list, but it also underscored the same issue that has followed him: consistency. White is going to need to do more down the stretch, though there is at least a path for him to be an Athletic in 2027 if he can keep putting together more outings like this.
The bullpen, meanwhile, gave the A’s plenty to hang onto. Eight different pitchers kept the Rays off the board, a strong showing for a group that appears to be settling in.
Even so, Seth Johnson separated himself from the pack. His 2.1 scoreless innings in Game 2 were impressive on their own, but the details made the outing even stronger.
He needed just 24 pitches, 20 of them strikes, and struck out four of the seven hitters he faced.
Jack Perkins also turned in a start worth noting. It was his best game as a starter, and he did a good job staying in the game longer than expected without giving the Rays much of anything. If the Athletics had gotten more from the offense, his outing could have been the piece that swung the series.
There is no guarantee Perkins can repeat that level, but there is reason to think he can come close. If he can go at least 5.0 innings in his next start and allow fewer than two earned runs, he has a real chance to carve out a role with the club next season. That role may not come in the rotation, but he has already shown he can flat-out pitch.
In Other News...
As Suddenly Face A Bigger Problem Than Another Road Loss
The Athletics had enough offense to get on the board early against Cleveland, with Donovan Walton helping give them a quick boost, but the middle game of the series quickly turned into a much rougher night from the mound. Oaklands early lead did not hold, and a 12-6 loss followed in a game that again showed how little margin this roster has when the pitching doesnt settle in.
Jacob Lopez took the ball and could not work deep enough to give the As a chance to steady things, leaving them to chase from behind while the Guardians kept adding on. Waltons multi-RBI night, capped by a two-run homer, was one of the few bright spots, but it also underscored the bigger issue for Oakland: even when the lineup produces, the pitching has left them with too much to clean up. [Read more 🡒]
Donovan Walton Is Giving The Athletics A Question They Need Answered
Donovan Walton has been one of the more interesting stories in Oaklands lineup since arriving in July, and Sundays game only added to the conversation. In the Athletics 12-6 loss to the Guardians, he came through with three hits, drove in four runs and helped keep the game from getting out of hand for as long as he could, while also making a notable running catch that fit the all-around value he has brought to the roster.
For a club trying to sort out which pieces deserve a longer look, Walton has become a player worth tracking closely. Mark Kotsay has praised the way he has handled his opportunity, and performances like this one make the question harder, not easier, for Oakland as it weighs what comes next. [Read more 🡒]
Zack Gelofs Rebound Could Force As Into A Tough Infield Decision
The Athletics are still sorting out their infield picture for 2027, and Zack Gelofs latest rebound has added another layer to the conversation. After a couple of down years and a season interrupted by injury, Gelof has put himself back in the mix as one of the most interesting candidates for a starting job, while the club also weighs options such as Jeff McNeil, Henry Bolte, Donovan Walton and Alika Williams.
Nick Kurtz and Jacob Wilson are expected to hold down first base and shortstop if they stay healthy, which leaves second and third as the real open spots. Gelofs resurgence matters because it gives Oakland a player with upside back in the discussion, and it could make for an awkward decision if the As decide his best path is on the left side of the infield, especially given the limited amount of big-league experience he has there. [Read more 🡒]