Oakland Athletics manager Bob Melvin submitted his latest version of the A’s lineup and he continues to mix and match parts trying to find something that will provide a remotely consistent offensive threat. The A’s offense has hit another rut as they have scored a total of three runs in three consecutive losses to the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. This after they seemed to find some life during a six game winning streak.
For Saturday’s game with Philly, Melvin is giving Cliff Pennington the day off and will start Adam Rosales in his place. Rosales put together solid numbers in 2010 but has yet to find consistent playing time since being called up almost three weeks ago. He’s played in six games during that time and is sitting at 2-for-17.
Mark Ellis will get his second start at first base while the A’s move Conor Jackson into right field for the evening. That means David DeJesus will head back to the bench. Since Melvin took over, DeJesus has struggled to find an everyday role as Melvin has rotated him, Jackson, and Ryan Sweeney in the outfield. Even with Josh Willingham’s injury, Hideki Matsui has taken on the primary left field duties in interleague play. It will be interesting to see how the A’s handle left field and DH when they return to Oakland on Tuesday.
Oakland Athletics
1. Jemile Weeks 2B
2. Mark Ellis 1B
3. Coco Crisp CF
4. Hideki Matsui LF
5. Conor Jackson RF
6. Scott Sizemore 3B
7. Kurt Suzuki C
8. Adam Rosales SS
9. Trevor Cahill P
Philadelphia Phillies
1. Jimmy Rollins SS
2. Placido Polanco 3B
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Shane Victorino CF
6. Raul Ibanez LF
7. Domonic Brown RF
8. Carlos Ruiz C
9. Cole Hamels P