After a tough loss in the series opener, the Athletics are back at it tonight in Philadelphia, looking to bounce back and set up a potential winner-take-all finale on Thursday. It's Game #36 of the season, and the energy in the ballpark is already building.
Left-hander Jeffrey Springs takes the mound for the A's tonight. He's been working through a rough stretch lately, including a shortened start due to a hip issue, but he appears to have put that behind him. If we get the early-season version of Springs—the one who was dealing with precision and confidence—the A's have a real shot at evening the series.
The lineup has a few interesting twists tonight, especially in the bottom third. New catcher Jonah Heinz is making his first start with the team, catching Springs for the first time. That's a key pairing to watch. Also, Zack Gelof gets the nod at third base, a slight shift from his usual spot. The rest of the order is largely in familiar positions, so the core of the attack should feel comfortable.
On the other side, the Phillies are sending Zack Wheeler to the hill. He's only recently returned from injury, but through his first two starts, he's looked like the dominant ace we've come to expect. This will be his third outing of the year, and the A's will need to be sharp at the plate to handle his stuff.
It's a pivotal night in Philly. Let's see if the A's can turn things around and keep the momentum rolling. #RingTheBell
