The Oakland Athletics host the Kansas City Royals Wednesday night looking to get one in the win column and try and get back on track. The titles of these preview updates are starting to blend together in part because the storyline is morphing into the basic idea of “When will they get better?” The A’s have lost 13 of their last 14 and there really is nothing that would make one think they’ll improve anytime soon. They hope to eventually start getting healthy, but in the meantime the struggles continue.
The A’s are giving Coco Crisp the day off and starting David DeJesus in the leadoff spot. In 36 at bats as a leadoff hitter, DeJesus has a robust line of .139/.340/.167. Thus far his best numbers have coming hitting second, although the numbers are in only 28 at bats so feel free to take them with a huge grain of salt. The A’s will continue moving the pieces around in this shell game and maybe they’ll start winning. Or not.
Oakland Athletics
1. David DeJesus RF
2. Cliff Pennington SS
3. Hideki Matsui DH
4. Josh Willingham LF
5. Ryan Sweeney CF
6. Scott Sizemore 3B
7. Daric Barton 1B
8. Landon Powell C
9. Jemile Weeks 2B
Kansas City Royals
1. Alex Gordon LF
2. Melky Cabrera CF
3. Eric Hosmer 1B
4. Jeff Francoeur RF
5. Billy Butler DH
6. Mike Moustakas 3B
7. Matt Treanor C
8. Chris Getz 2B
9. Alcides Escobar SS