SB Nation Bay Area - Athletics Vs. Twins: Oakland Swept Again, Has Now Lost 6 Straighthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48817/bayrea-fave.png2012-05-31T11:10:26-07:00http://bayarea.sbnation.com/rss/stream/28117152012-05-31T11:10:26-07:002012-05-31T11:10:26-07:00Athletics Option Tyson Ross To Triple-A, Manny Ramirez, Yoenis Cespedes Still Out
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G0-pRIY4kxr6Wb1r1m2g2LnKJCY=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828101/large_bayarea.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Oakland Athletics</a> continue to have a yo-yo affect with their pitching staff as it was announced on Thursday that right hander <span>Tyson Ross</span> has been optioned back to Triple-A Sacramento after giving up four runs in five innings of Oakland's 4-0 loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a> on Wednesday.</p>
<p>Ross fell to 2-6 after the loss, now sporting a 5.94 ERA in nine outings for Oakland this season (47 IP). The A's made no corresponding roster move today according to <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/#!/susanslusser">Susan Slusser on Twitter</a>, but likely will tomorrow. </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>No corresponding move for Ross - likely will be Cespedes tomorrow. Position player then would go out for McCarthy on Sat. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523Athletics">#Athletics</a></p>
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) <a data-datetime="2012-05-31T16:30:52+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/susanslusser/status/208234097464721409">May 31, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<p>Getting Cespedes and McCarthy back this weekend will certainly help the A's get out of their current 6-game funk, though there's one more name waiting to join the team, that of course being <span>Manny Ramirez</span>. Slusser had an update on him as well.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Manny Ramirez is not expected to join the <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523Athletics">#Athletics</a> tomorrow at KC, which makes the entire weekend unlikely. Perhaps next week at home.</p>
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) <a href="https://twitter.com/susanslusser/status/208245832171008000" data-datetime="2012-05-31T17:17:30+00:00">May 31, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>Bringing Manny back in Oakland to start his season is probably a wise choice, though the A's could use him as soon as possible if he is ready. </p>
<p><i>For more on the Athletics, make sure to check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.athleticsnation.com">Athletics Nation.</a> </i></p>
<p><a title="Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube" href="http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=sbnation"><img onclick="_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'SBN YouTube Integration', 'HTML Article Insert - Grey']);" style="margin-left: -15px" alt="Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube" src="http://assets.sbnation.com.s3.amazonaws.com/youtube/youtube-article-insert.png"></a></p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL6969C40420638137&hl=en_US" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/oakland-athletics/2012/5/31/3055184/manny-ramirez-yoenis-cespedes-athletics-option-tyson-ross-Ernie Pomin2012-05-30T12:55:55-07:002012-05-30T12:55:55-07:00Athletics Vs. Twins Final Score: Oakland Swept With 4-0 Shutout Loss
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G0-pRIY4kxr6Wb1r1m2g2LnKJCY=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828101/large_bayarea.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>After blowing three leads in two games, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Oakland Athletics</a> opted to not score any runs at all on Wednesday against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a>. With a 4-0 loss on Wednesday, the A's were swept by the Twins and have now lost six straight games.</p>
<p>The Twins put up a pair of runs in the bottom of the first inning on RBI singles by <span>Josh Willingham</span> and <span>Brian Dozier</span>. Another pair of runs came in the bottom of the fifth, on another home run by Willingham, who had given the Twins the walk-off shot on Tuesday night.</p>
<p>The closest the A's got to scoring a run was a one-out double by <span>Collin Cowgill</span> in the top of the first inning. Singles in the second and third innings represented the other two hits Oakland was able to get in the game. <span>Francisco Liriano</span> picked up his very first win of the year by allowing just those three hits and two walks in six innings of work. The A's only managed one more walk off of three innings of Minnesota bullpen pitching.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Oakland Athletics, join the discussion over at <a href="http://www.athleticsnation.com/">Athletics Nation</a>. You can also check out everything we have to offer at <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/">Baseball Nation</a>.</i></p>
<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=sbnation" title="Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com.s3.amazonaws.com/youtube/youtube-article-insert.png" alt="Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube" style="margin-left: -15px;"></a></p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/oakland-athletics/2012/5/30/3053137/athletics-vs-twins-final-score-recapBill Hanstock2012-05-29T23:16:30-07:002012-05-29T23:16:30-07:00Athletics Vs. Twins Final Score: Bullpen Collapses Again In 3-2 Loss
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G0-pRIY4kxr6Wb1r1m2g2LnKJCY=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828101/large_bayarea.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Oakland Athletics</a> seem to have two persistent problems this season: lack of a consistent offense and a bullpen that is much squishier than either the team or their fans would like. Both of these problems reared their heads on Tuesday, as the A's dropped their second straight game to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a> by a final score of 3-2.</p>
<p>Both starting pitchers kept the game scoreless into the seventh inning. The A's put a man on second with one out in the top of the seventh, prompting Minnesota to go to their bullpen. With two outs, <span>Collin Cowgill</span> hit a single through the left side to score a run and put the A's on top 1-0.</p>
<p>The A's added an insurance run in the top of the eighth, with another two-out RBI single, this time by <span>Coco Crisp</span>.</p>
<p>In the bottom of the ninth, <span>Brian Fuentes</span> came into the game to get the save, but gave up a leadoff single, followed by a walk. Fuentes retired the next two Twins batters, but <span>Josh Willingham</span> hit the second pitch he saw to center field for a home run for a walk-off win.</p>
<p>Oakland starter Jarrod Parker went six innings, giving up no runs on four hits and four walks.</p>
<p>With the loss, the A's have now lost five in a row. They will attempt to avoid the sweep on Wednesday.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Oakland Athletics, join the discussion over at <a href="http://www.athleticsnation.com/">Athletics Nation</a>. You can also check out everything we have to offer at <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/">Baseball Nation</a>.</i></p>
<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=sbnation" title="Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com.s3.amazonaws.com/youtube/youtube-article-insert.png" alt="Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube" style="margin-left: -15px;"></a></p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/oakland-athletics/2012/5/29/3051970/athletics-vs-twins-final-score-recapBill Hanstock2012-05-28T19:31:45-07:002012-05-28T19:31:45-07:00Manny Ramirez Will Not Be Called Up On Wednesday, According To Reports
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G0-pRIY4kxr6Wb1r1m2g2LnKJCY=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828101/large_bayarea.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p><span>Manny Ramirez's</span> 50-game drug ban ends on Wednesday, but the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Oakland Athletics</a> will not immediately call the veteran slugger up to the major leagues. </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523Athletics">#Athletics</a> announced that Manny Ramirez will remain with Triple-A Sacramento for the time being and will be monitored on a day by day basis</p>
— Oakland Athletics (@Athletics) <a data-datetime="2012-05-29T01:51:42+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/Athletics/status/207288075053830145">May 29, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
The Sacramento Rivercats play on Tuesday, but according to the <a href="https://twitter.com/Athletics/status/207289897197895680" target="_blank">Oakland A's official twitter account</a>, Ramirez is not allowed to play and can only workout. Ramirez went 2-for-4 and drove in one run in the Triple-A Sacramento's game on Monday. Ramirez has a .250 batting average with eight hits in 32 at-bats for the Rivercats. </p>
<p>Earlier on Monday, A's manager <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/melvin-manny-ramirezs-arrival-for-wednesday-is-50-50-for-offensively-struggling-as/2012/05/28/gJQA3ZEswU_story.html" target="_blank">Bob Melvin said there was a 50-50 chance Ramirez would join the Athletics</a> this week. Ramirez's last action in the big leagues was in April 2011 with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Tampa Bay Rays</a> before abruptly retiring. </p>
<p><b><i>For more Oakland A's news and analysis, head over to <a href="http://www.athleticsnation.com/" target="_blank">Athletics Nation</a>.</i></b></p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/oakland-athletics/2012/5/28/3049164/manny-ramirez-oakland-a-s-return-dateKevin Cacabelos2012-05-28T14:36:06-07:002012-05-28T14:36:06-07:00Athletics Vs. Twins Final Score: Oakland Blows 2 Leads, Loses 5-4
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G0-pRIY4kxr6Wb1r1m2g2LnKJCY=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828101/large_bayarea.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Oakland Athletics</a> visited the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a> on Monday to begin a three-game series at Target Field. The A's were hoping to snap their three-game losing streak that came as a result of a sweep at home by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a>, but despite holding two separate leads in the game, Oakland came up short in a 5-4 loss.</p>
<p>The A's took a 2-0 lead on solo home runs -- their scoring method of choice -- by <span>Josh Reddick</span> in the first inning and <span>Kila Ka`aihue</span> in the third inning.</p>
<p><span>Trevor Plouffe</span> finally got the Twins on the board in the fifth inning with a solo home run of his own, but the A's went ahead 3-1 in the top of the sixth when Reddick scored after a ledoff triple as <span>Brandon Inge</span> grounded into a double play. The Twins tied the game in the bottom of the sixth against <span>Jordan Norberto</span> on a Josh Willingham RBI double and a sacrifice fly by <span>Justin Morneau</span>.</p>
<p>Oakland reclaimed a 4-3 lead in the top of the eighth with a Kurt Suzuki RBI single, but the Twins struck back in the bottom of the frame against A's reliever Ryan Cook. Morneau hit an RBI double to tie things up and <span>Ryan Doumit</span> hit a sacrifice fly to give the Twins the lead. The Twins elected to intentionally walk the bases loaded and pitch to <span>Jonny Gomes</span>. The gambit paid off, as Gomes struck out on three pitches to end the game.</p>
<p>The A's threatened in the top of the ninth against <span>Matt Capps</span>, getting runners on second and third with two outs for Reddick. Jemile Weeks and Reddick each had two-hit games, while <span>Collin Cowgill</span> went 3-for-4 on the day.</p>
<p><span>Travis Blackley</span> was terrific in his first start for Oakland, giving up just one run on three hits and a walk in five innings of work, but the A's bullpen once again proved very vulnerable.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Oakland Athletics, join the discussion over at <a href="http://www.athleticsnation.com/">Athletics Nation</a>. You can also check out everything we have to offer at <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/">Baseball Nation</a>.</i></p>
<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=sbnation" title="Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com.s3.amazonaws.com/youtube/youtube-article-insert.png" alt="Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube" style="margin-left: -15px;"></a></p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/oakland-athletics/2012/5/28/3048683/athletics-vs-twins-final-score-recapBill Hanstock2012-05-28T06:01:35-07:002012-05-28T06:01:35-07:00Athletics Vs. Twins Series Preview: TV Schedule, Probable Pitchers & More
<figure>
<img alt="OAKLAND, CA - MAY 27: Josh Reddick #16 of the Oakland Athletics swings at a pitch against the New York Yankees at O.co Coliseum on May 27, 2012 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/o0tRTvprDRaysLfRbDL8ocy9zxo=/0x188:485x511/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/7153639/145366526.jpg" />
<figcaption>OAKLAND, CA - MAY 27: Josh Reddick #16 of the Oakland Athletics swings at a pitch against the New York Yankees at O.co Coliseum on May 27, 2012 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The A's are in Minnesota for a three-game series. They're hoping to get a tune-up in Target Field.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Oakland Athletics</a> will be kicking off a road trip against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a> on Monday. This road trip may be just what the doctor ordered after the A's were swept at home by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a> and didn't look impressive in any of the three games.</p>
<p>The Twins have been one of the worst teams in baseball this seasons and the A's will be hoping that the offense-friendly confines of Target Field will be friendly to them. <span>Josh Reddick</span> has been on a tear of hitting home runs as of late, but unfortunately, few of those homers have come with anyone in base. The A's will be looking to put up some more runs in preparation for <span>Manny Ramirez</span> and <span>Yoenis Cespedes</span> rejoining the team shortly.</p>
<p><b>TV Schedule & Probable Pitchers</b></p>
<p>Monday's game will begin at 11:10 a.m. PT and will be televised on CSN California. You can find the radio broadcast on 95.7 FM The Game. <span>Travis Blackley</span>, recently arrived from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/">San Francisco Giants</a>, will make his first start for the A's. He'll take on <span>Scott Diamond</span>, who has been impressive, with a record of 3-1 and a 1.78 ERA.</p>
<p>Tuesday's first pitch will be at 5:10 p.m. PT and the game will be televised on CSN California. You can find the radio broadcast on 95.7 FM The Game. Two youngsters will duke it out in this one. Jarrod Parker gets the start for Oakland, still in search of his second win. <span>Cole De Vries</span> will be making his first-ever start at Target Field and comes into the game with an 0-1 record and 5.40 ERA.</p>
<p>Wednesday's finale will begin at 10:10 p.m. PT and this game will not be televised. You can find the radio broadcast on 95.7 FM The Game. <span>Tyson Ross</span> is 2-5 with a 5.79 ERA, but his opponent on Wednesday has been much worse this season. <span>Francisco Liriano</span> will enter the game with an 0-5 record and an ERA of 8.47.</p>
<p></p>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget current_series clearfix">
<h3>Current Series</h3>
<div class="pane-body">
<h4>3 game series vs Twins @ Target Field</h4>
<table class="zebra">
<tbody>
<tr style="background:none">
<td colspan="3" style="background:none">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget next_game clearfix">
<div class="pane-body">
<p class="game-title"><a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Oakland Athletics</a> <span id="blog_icon_385915377" class="blog-hover-link"><a href="http://www.athleticsnation.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v2202714.png"></a><span id="blog_icon_385915377_menu" class="blog-hover-menu" style="display:none"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.athleticsnation.com/"><img alt="Athleticsnation_m" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/community_logos/7/athleticsnation_m.gif"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.athleticsnation.com/">Athletics Nation</a></span></span></span> <br><span>@ <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a> <span id="blog_icon_940262126" class="blog-hover-link"><a href="http://www.twinkietown.com/"><img class="sbnstar" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/images/icons/red-star.v2202714.png"></a><span id="blog_icon_940262126_menu" class="blog-hover-menu" style="display:none"><span class="img"><a href="http://www.twinkietown.com/"><img alt="Tt-sm" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/community_logos/21819/tt-sm.jpg"></a></span><span><a href="http://www.twinkietown.com/">Twinkie Town</a></span></span></span> </span></p>
<p class="game-info"><span>Monday, May 28, 2012, 11:10 AM PDT</span><br> Target Field</p>
<p class="pitchers"><span>Travis Blackley</span> vs <span>Scott Diamond</span></p>
<p class="weather"> Sunny. Winds blowing from right to left field at 15-20 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 75.</p>
<p> </p>
<p class="foot clearfix"><span class="link-more"><span>Complete Coverage ></span></span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-first">Tue 05/29</td>
<td>
</td>
<td class="td-last"><span>5:10 PM PDT</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-first">Wed 05/30</td>
<td>
</td>
<td class="td-last"><span>10:10 AM PDT</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
<hr class="widget_boundry_marker">
<p> </p>
<p><i>For more on the Oakland Athletics, join the discussion over at <a href="http://www.athleticsnation.com/">Athletics Nation</a>. You can also check out everything we have to offer at <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/">Baseball Nation</a>.</i></p>
<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=sbnation" title="Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com.s3.amazonaws.com/youtube/youtube-article-insert.png" alt="Check out the SB Nation Channel on YouTube" style="margin-left: -15px;"></a></p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/oakland-athletics/2012/5/28/3047646/athletics-vs-twins-series-preview-tv-schedule-probable-pitchersBill Hanstock