Lopez's Mound Showdown, A's Bullpen Games

0:00On April 21st, the Oakland Athletics head into game 2 against the Seattle Mariners with Jacob Lopez on the mound after snagging that first win. Lopez has been walking more batters than he strikes out this season, 18.9% walks against 17.8%, strikeouts and his earned run average sits at 6.38 through 4 starts. Seattle's offense loves drawing those free passes, so this could make or break his rotation spot. Mariners manager Dan Wilson tweaks the lineup to match lefties, slotting Rob Refsnider at leadoff and Mitch Garver behind the played batting 7th. Refsnider crushed South Paws last year, with a 302 average and 159 weighted runs created plus, but he's ice cold now, just 1-4. 21. Garver struggling 2, 1 for 9 against lefties, though he posted 107 last season. Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler stirred the pod after game 1, telling Mariners fans to go home sad, firing up the rivalry.

1:00Lopez flashed talent late last year, but hasn't recaptured it yet, putting pressure on the A staff to keep things tight early. The real chess match, brews between managers Mark Coatsay and Wilson. Seattle benches, Luke Rayley and Dominic Hanzone to dodge Lopez, their weak spots against lefties. If Lopez lasts 5 innings, Oakland could deploy Hogan Harris or Brady Basso, late, exploiting Seattle's league worst mark, versus South Paws, dodging. Threats like Randy Orzerina and JP Crawford, Lopez just needs a limit damage up front, and the A's bullpen games could steal another series slice from Seattle right there in the late innings. You've been listening to MLB News today, AI-powered baseball coverage.