Struggling Braves Face Reeling A’s in Cross-Country Clash of Bottom-Tier Teams
After being swept by the Baltimore Orioles, the Atlanta Braves embark on a cross-country trip to face the Oakland Athletics—currently playing as the Sacramento A’s—in a three-game series starting Tuesday. Both teams sit among MLB’s six lowest-ranked clubs by record, setting the stage for a battle of struggling squads seeking momentum.
Oakland’s early-season promise (20-16 start) has dissolved into a stark 17-39 slump. Left-hander Jeffrey Springs will start Tuesday, bringing a 6-6 record and 4.07 ERA over 97 innings. While his recent form shines (2.97 ERA in six June/July appearances), advanced metrics like a 4.77 FIP and 4.72 xFIP—paired with 37 walks against 79 strikeouts—suggest regression could loom.
Atlanta, ravaged by injuries to four opening-day starters, turns again to 20-year-old rookie Didier Fuentes. The right-hander, thrust into the rotation prematurely, has failed to escape the fourth inning in his last two outings. His performance against Oakland’s lineup will test Atlanta’s thin pitching depth.
First pitch is set for 10:05 p.m. ET at Sutter Health Park, with streaming and broadcast options available across major platforms. The series could prove pivotal for both clubs to gauge lingering playoff hopes or assess emerging talent in a lost season.