The Athletics began their weeklong Southern California road trip with a successful run, securing three victories out of four games against the Los Angeles Angels.
Tonight, the Athletics, who currently hold first place, journey further south to kick off a three-game Memorial Day weekend series against the San Diego Padres, anticipated to be a more formidable opponent.
Miller Faces Former Team
Padres’ closer Mason Miller will face his former team for the first time since being traded last July.
Miller has maintained his success with his new team, holding a 1-1 record with a 0.79 ERA and 15 saves in 22 appearances this season. The 27-year-old has an incredible 45 strikeouts in 22.2 innings pitched.
While the A’s bullpen could desperately use Miller’s elite repertoire, the team likely made the right decision by trading him last summer. His talent is too good to be wasted on a club that was not playoff-bound, and if top shortstop prospect Leo De Vries — the centerpiece of the return package — reaches his All-Star-caliber ceiling, he could ultimately provide the A’s with a greater long-term impact than a closer who only pitches one or two innings per game.
Springs on the Mound for Athletics
Tonight, Jeffrey Springs will start for the A’s as they aim to extend their winning streak to four games.
The 33-year-old enters his 11th start of the season with a 3-4 record, a 3.93 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP and 47 strikeouts across 55 innings pitched. Springs took the loss in his last start against the San Francisco Giants despite allowing just two runs, one earned on five hits over six innings. After going winless so far this month, the A’s southpaw looks to continue pitching well and earn his fourth win of 2026 this evening.
Athletics Lineup
Here’s the A’s starting nine for the game tonight:
- Right fielder Carlos Cortes remains in the leadoff spot.
- Nick Kurtz will bat second or third.
- Kurtz and catcher Shea Langeliers swap spots in the order.
- Henry Bolte gets another start in center field, with Lawrence Butler on the bench.
Buehler to Pitch for Padres
This A’s lineup will face Padres’ right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler.
The 31-year-old has a 3-2 record with a 5.01 ERA and 37 strikeouts across 41.1 innings pitched. In his last start against the Seattle Mariners, he earned the win after allowing two runs on five hits over five innings of work.
Buehler appears to be turning things around lately.