The Oakland Athletics open a big four-game series against the Texas Rangers, as the A's are within striking distance of the Rangers for first place in the AL West. The A's currently have a 2.5-game lead in the wild card, but also only sit four games behind the Rangers. Seven of the A's final 10 games are against the Rangers, and the Athletics' playoff run could seemingly include a run for the title of 2012 AL West champs. First, they will have to win their games against a Rangers squad that is welcoming Josh Hamilton back into the fold after a few missed games.
1. Stephen Drew SS
2. Jonny Gomes DH
3. Yoenis Cespedes CF
4. Chris Carter 1B
5. Brandon Moss LF
6. Josh Donaldson 3B
7. Josh Reddick RF
8. Derek Norris C
9. Cliff Pennington 2B
Rookie Dan Straily looks to rebound after a poor effort against the Orioles, and get his third win of his short season. Straily is 2-1 with a 4.13 ERA over 28.1 innings. He also had 21 strikeouts on the season.
1. Ian Kinsler 2B
2. Elvis Andrus SS
3. Josh Hamilton CF
4. Adrian Beltre 3B
5. Nelson Cruz RF
6. Michael Young DH
7. David Murphy LF
8. Mike Napoli C
9. Mitch Moreland 1B
Derek Holland looks to provide some vital breathing room for the Rangers. He has had a stellar month of September so far, pitching into the seventh inning in all four starts, while giving up less than two runs in each contest. He only has two wins to show for it all, though. Holland is 11-6 with a 4.42 ERA on the year.
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