The A's are back in California tonight after going 3-3 overall in their trips to Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Sunday's series finale against the Orioles was largely uneventful from an offensive perspective. This isn't something I'm used to with the A's in 2026, as they typically have been strong and consistent offensively. Chris Bassitt of the Orioles performed better than I anticipated from the mound. His numbers going into Sunday were pretty rough but I guess that just means he was extra motivated. Bassitt held the A's to just four hits and a run over six innings of work.
Luis Severino of the A's pitched pretty well himself. He got through 5 1/3 innings allowing two runs. Severino has been working hard on the mound lately, I respect his toughness and skill for sure, it was just Bassitt's night.
Tonight, the A's return to West Sacramento to face a National league squad in the St. Louis Cardinals.
Logo Src, Logo Src
Now this series is a serious test I'd say. The Cardinals are playing really well. They are in a ridiculously deep NL Central division, a division in which EVERY single team is above .500. The Reds are 22-19 and in LAST place. Wild.
Jordan Walker of the Cardinals looks locked in and ready for a massive season. He has had a bit of an odd early career, but he's still 23 (he turns 24 in ten days) and he seems to have found his groove. So the A's need to be careful when pitching to him!
The A's offense is no joke either though. Carlos Cortes has looked sharp, Shea Langeliers has been great, Nick Kurtz is looking like a rising star, and Brent Rooker has been warming up too!
This is an intriguing test and I look forward to seeing how it all shakes out! Let's go! Late night baseball, can't beat it!