Jeffrey Springs takes the ball for the A’s in the series finale against the Colorado Rockies, with Las Vegas temperatures expected to soar. After two comeback wins, the Athletics have adjusted their bullpen and reshuffled the lineup as they try to finish a swe
By late afternoon in Las Vegas, the goal is simple for the Athletics: close the week with a sweep.
They’re entering the series finale against the Colorado Rockies after winning the past two nights in back-and-forth contests—both times overcoming blown leads to regain the advantage and hold off Colorado over the final few innings. Now. with another late-game swing likely to matter. the A’s are leaning on Jeffrey Springs in a matchup that already looks built for thin margins.
Springs, a left-hander, was originally scheduled to start yesterday’s contest but will instead pitch today as the lone Athletics starter making his second start of the week. The 33-year-old is also expected to face triple-digit heat, a factor his team can’t ignore once the ball starts flying.
Springs arrives for his 15th start of the season with a 3-6 record, a 4.68 ERA, and 63 strikeouts over 75 innings. In the first game of the Las Vegas series. which the Milwaukee Brewers ultimately won 15-14 in 12 innings. Springs received a no-decision after allowing five runs on eight hits across five innings. Today marks two months since the southpaw last earned a win—something he’s clearly trying to snap.
The bigger concern for the A’s isn’t just the record. Springs has struggled limiting home runs, and the ball is likely to carry even more in extreme heat. That combination puts pressure on Springs to be both efficient and precise. because the risk isn’t only a short outing—it’s the kind of outing that can turn the wrong direction fast.
Even if Springs starts strong, the Athletics may hesitate to let him work deep into the game. The oppressive temperatures and the associated health concerns could influence when they turn to the bullpen.
The A’s acted on that reality this morning, adding a fresh arm. Joey Estes, who was serviceable as the starter yesterday, failed to complete five innings. He was optioned back to Triple-A, and left-handed reliever Brady Basso was recalled as the corresponding roster move.
Manager Mark Kotsay then set a lineup with several adjustments as the A’s chase their fifth straight win. Center fielder Lawrence Butler was moved to the leadoff spot. a notable departure from his inconsistent spot in the lower half of the order. Nick Kurtz will serve as the designated hitter. getting a break from defensive duties. while veteran infielder Jeff McNeil moves to first base.
Butler and McNeil aren’t the only changes today. Carlos Cortes will also make his first start of the series, playing right field and batting fourth.
The lineup comes without starting catcher Shea Langeliers and shortstop Jacob Wilson. Langeliers sits after two straight days behind the plate, while Wilson needs rest after recently returning from a stint on the injured list with a shoulder injury.
In the middle of it all. shortstop Alika Williams is starting again—and he’s shown why the coaching staff trusts him in that role. He came through last night with three hits and a walk in his best offensive game as a major leaguer. The A’s will likely lean on Williams. McNeil. and Butler to get on base and create RBI chances for Kurtz. left fielder Tyler Soderstrom. and hot-hitting second baseman Zack Gelof.
Those bats face Rockies right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano. The 36-year-old Japanese native is 6-4 with a 4.08 ERA and 39 strikeouts across his first 13 starts, spanning 68 1/3 innings. Sugano has won his past two starts. most recently limiting the Chicago Cubs to three runs on six hits over five innings pitched.
Power has already been part of the equation. Sugano has allowed 12 home runs, while Springs has surrendered 16, setting up a series finale where the ball could go far if mistakes show up.
On the Rockies side, there’s also a personnel note that matters early. Springs has only faced one of Colorado’s starting nine before, giving the A’s starter a small informational edge in the matchup.
Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar returns to the lineup after sitting out the previous two games. Colorado’s visitors’ lineup may not look as intimidating as some teams the A’s have faced this season. but the Rockies have still shown an ability to score in bunches through the first two games of this interleague series.
If the Athletics can finish off the league-worst Rockies, they would end their Las Vegas residency with a 5-1 record. More than that. they’d return to West Sacramento one game over .500—an outcome that would feel earned. not given. after a week defined by comebacks. bullpen management. and weather that can turn every pitch into something louder.
Athletics Rockies Jeffrey Springs Brady Basso Tomoyuki Sugano Mark Kotsay Lawrence Butler Nick Kurtz Shea Langeliers Jacob Wilson Ezequiel Tovar Las Vegas series finale