The Oakland Athletics and Texas Rangers will play ball at 7:05 p.m. ET on Saturday at Globe Life Field. The Rangers are heavy moneyline favorites and the game total is 8.5.
Oakland (3-16 SU and 7-12 RL) is in the midst of a tough losing streak, dropping 13 of its last 14 overall prior to Friday's series-opener. The Athletics will start rookie righty Shintaro Fujinami (0-3 with an 11.37 ERA) tomorrow night.
Texas (12-6 SU and 11-7 RL) is on a hot streak, winning four straight prior to its series with Oakland. The Rangers will turn to lefty Andrew Heaney (1-1 with a 4.97 ERA) on Saturday.
Oakland has been a tough team to watch once again, winning only three of its first 19 overall. Will the A's look any better in Arlington?
The A's score 3.42 runs per game (27th) and hit .225 (27th) with a .649 OPS (28th). They've hit 16 home runs (25th) and stolen 19 bases (8th) this year. Left fielder Brent Rooker leads the team with four long balls and center fielder Esteury Ruiz paces the club in batting average (.302) and on-base percentage (.389). The Oakland pitching staff has posted a 7.71 ERA (30th) and a 1.72 WHIP (30th) with three quality starts.
Shintaro Fujinami, Wicked 90mph Splitter. ?? pic.twitter.com/t79IxGNTi6
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 15, 2023
Fujinami gets the start Saturday after an improved showing in his last start. The 29-year-old lasted six innings, surrendering three runs on four hits and two walks, fanning five Mets. He pounded the strike zone, throwing just 54 pitches in the first four innings, and did not walk a batter until the fifth. It was certainly a step in the right direction for the Japanese newcomer.