\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"“A lot went into it,” Melvin said of the decision to start Fiers. “Their numbers against lefties. Mike has had some good games against these guys, albeit not exactly the same lineup.”\n\nFrankie Montas, another right-handed starter, entered the game in relief to begin the fourth inning. The hard-throwing righty struggled towards the end of the season, but he shined in his final start of the regular season on Sunday with 13 strikeouts and two unearned runs over seven innings against the Mariners.\n\n“It’s one day short for him,” Melvin said. “He’s the guy that probably has the most resilient arm. On his bullpen day the day after his starts, he’s always throwing the hardest of any of our guys.\"","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"With the White Sox also starting a right-hander in rookie Dane Dunning, the A’s decided to balance their order between lefties and righties, expecting to see Chicago's bullpen early. And that was the case, as Dunning exited after recording only two outs and turning it over to lefty Garrett Crochet.\n\nKhris Davis, a right-handed bat, earned his way into Thursday’s lineup after blasting a solo shot in Game 2.\n\n“It’s nice to see KD showing up with his best work right now,” Melvin said. “It bothers me when I can’t put him in there. I have a great relationship with him, I love the man. He’s got a really determined look in his eye.”","type":"text"}],"relativeSiteUrl":"/news/mike-fiers-al-wild-card-game-3-starter","contentType":"news","subHeadline":null,"summary":"OAKLAND -- Mike Fiers had to sit on the bench at Yankee Stadium for the 2018 American League Wild Card Game and watch the A’s get eliminated from the postseason without pitching, despite putting up numbers many felt were worthy of starting that game.","tagline({\"formatString\":\"none\"})":null,"tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"season-2020","title":"Season 2020","type":"season"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"storytype-article","title":"Article","type":"article"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-133","title":"Oakland Athletics","team":{"__ref":"Team:133"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"ContributorTag","slug":"martin-gallegos","title":"Martín Gallegos","type":"contributor"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"alwc","title":"AL Wild Card","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"series-b","title":"Series B","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-571666","title":"Mike Fiers","person":{"__ref":"Person:571666"},"type":"player"}],"type":"story","thumbnail":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/os14c4dothgtfmzikizz","title":"Mike Fiers AL Wild Card Game 3 starter"},"getTeamsBySportId({\"ids\":[1]})":[{"__ref":"Team:133"},{"__ref":"Team:134"},{"__ref":"Team:135"},{"__ref":"Team:136"},{"__ref":"Team:137"},{"__ref":"Team:138"},{"__ref":"Team:139"},{"__ref":"Team:140"},{"__ref":"Team:141"},{"__ref":"Team:142"},{"__ref":"Team:143"},{"__ref":"Team:144"},{"__ref":"Team:145"},{"__ref":"Team:146"},{"__ref":"Team:147"},{"__ref":"Team:158"},{"__ref":"Team:108"},{"__ref":"Team:109"},{"__ref":"Team:110"},{"__ref":"Team:111"},{"__ref":"Team:112"},{"__ref":"Team:113"},{"__ref":"Team:114"},{"__ref":"Team:115"},{"__ref":"Team:116"},{"__ref":"Team:117"},{"__ref":"Team:118"},{"__ref":"Team:119"},{"__ref":"Team:120"},{"__ref":"Team:121"}],"getHeaderFromForgePath({\"contentSource\":\"MLB\",\"headerPath\":\"/_navs/header/oak/global-nav\",\"paletteKey\":\"t133-base-palette\",\"propertiesKey\":\"t133-global-properties\"})":{"__typename":"Header","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets","placement":"mobile","visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Spring Training Tickets & Information","linkUrl":"/spring-training","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Sutter Health Park Ticket Information","linkUrl":"/sacramento","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Season Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Single Game Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/single-game-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Special Events","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1725670800;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Firework & Drone Light Shows","linkUrl":"/tickets/promotions/themes/fireworks","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1726974000;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Fan Value Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/fan-values","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1727330460;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Military & First Responders Offer","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/military","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1727330460;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"College & Graduate Student Discounts","linkUrl":"/tickets/specials/college-students","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1727330460;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Hospitality Spaces","linkUrl":"/tickets/group-tickets/hospitality-spaces","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1727388000;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Gold Seating Areas","linkUrl":"/tickets/premium","linkTarget":"","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1727388000;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Suites","linkUrl":"/tickets/premium/suites","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1727388000;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Group Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/group-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1727388000;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Peanut Controlled Zone","linkUrl":"/tickets/peanut-controlled/","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1727330460;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"My A's Tickets","linkUrl":"https://mlb.tickets.com/?agency=ATHM_MYTIXX&orgid=36207&_ga=2.249596614.1547764962.1615741527-1088430472.1615741527#/auth/login","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy & Sell Tickets on SeatGeek","linkUrl":"https://seatgeek.com/oakland-athletics-tickets?aid=15983&pid=integration&rid=1&utm_medium=partnership&utm_source=athletics_sponsorship&utm_campaign=integration","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ticket Back Terms","linkUrl":"/tickets/terms","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"How to Use Digital Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/technology","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Meet Your Ticket Representatives","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets/ticket-services","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Gift Cards","linkUrl":"/tickets/gift-cards","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Rainout Policy","linkUrl":"/tickets/rainout-policy","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1727388000;"}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":"globe","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Community","linkUrl":"/community","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Diversity, Equity and Inclusion","linkUrl":"/community/diversity-equity-and-inclusion","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"50/50 Raffle","linkUrl":"/ballpark/raffle","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Community Awareness","linkUrl":"/community/community-awareness","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Request a Donation - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/community/request-a-donation","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Youth Education","linkUrl":"/community/education","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Youth Sports","linkUrl":"/community/outreach/youth-baseball-programs","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Grant Programs","linkUrl":"/community/grant-programs","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Community Impact Report","linkUrl":"/community/community-report","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Together","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/mlb-together","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-02","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Spring Training Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-02","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Regular Season Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-03","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Promotional Schedule","linkUrl":"/tickets/promotions","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1727380800;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Printable Schedules","linkUrl":"/schedule/printable-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Downloadable Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/downloadable-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Broadcast Affiliates","linkUrl":"/schedule/affiliates","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Broadcast Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/list","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1727640002;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Events","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"In-Market Streaming - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/schedule/in-market-streaming","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1727640002;"}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Scores","linkUrl":"/scores","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Stats","linkUrl":"/stats","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Stats","linkUrl":"/stats/team","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top Prospect Stats","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/prospects/stats?teamId=133","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Affiliate Stats","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/prospects/stats/affiliates?teamId=133","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Baseball Savant","linkUrl":"https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/team/133","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top Rookies Stats","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/athletics/stats/american-league?playerPool=ROOKIES","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Roster","linkUrl":"/roster","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"40-Man Roster","linkUrl":"/roster/40-man","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Non-Roster Invitees HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/roster/nri","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Depth Chart","linkUrl":"/roster/depth-chart","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Coaches","linkUrl":"/roster/coaches","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top 30 Prospects","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/prospects/athletics/","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Transactions","linkUrl":"/roster/transactions","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Starting Lineups HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/roster/starting-lineups","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1727640002;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Injury Updates","linkUrl":"/news/topic/athletics-injury-report","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Draft Results","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/draft/tracker/all/team/athletics","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Front Office - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/team/front-office","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Employment Opportunities","linkUrl":"/team/jobs","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Broadcasters","linkUrl":"/team/broadcasters","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Player Search","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/players","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Affiliates","linkUrl":"https://www.milb.com/about/teams/by-affiliate#athletics","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Video","linkUrl":"/video","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"A's in the Community","linkUrl":"/video/topic/as-in-the-community","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Athletics Reviews","linkUrl":"/video/topic/athletics-reviews","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Athletics Manager Postgame","linkUrl":"/video/topic/athletics-manager-postgame","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Athletics Cut4","linkUrl":"/video/topic/athletics-cut4","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Most Popular","linkUrl":"/video/topic/t133-default-vtp","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Athletics Game Recap","linkUrl":"/video/topic/athletics-game-recap","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"A's Podcasts","linkUrl":"/fans/podcasts","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"News","linkUrl":"/news","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Probable Pitchers HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/roster/probable-pitchers","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1727640002;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Official Releases","linkUrl":"/news/topic/athletics-press-releases","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Athletics Pipeline","linkUrl":"/news/topic/athletics-pipeline-coverage","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Photo Stream","linkUrl":"/team/photos","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Athletics History","linkUrl":"/history","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Athletics History Feature Stories","linkUrl":"/news/topic/athletics-history-trivia","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB News","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/news","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"RSS News Feed HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/feeds/news/rss.xml","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":"gameday","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Sutter Health Park","linkUrl":"/ballpark","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Guest Code of Conduct","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information/code-of-conduct","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ballpark Map","linkUrl":"/ballpark/seating-map","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Stay Connected","linkUrl":"/apps/ballpark","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ballpark Information - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Directions & Parking - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/ballpark/transportation","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Scoreboard Messages - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/fans/scoreboard-messages","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1727380800;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"50/50 Raffle - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/ballpark/raffle","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Prohibited Items & Security - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/ballpark/security","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Lost & Found - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/ballpark/information/lost-and-found","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Walk-Up Music Playlist - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/ballpark/music","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"A's Team Store - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/ballpark/team-store","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Fans","linkUrl":"/fans","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Vote: All-Star Ballot - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/fans/all-star-ballot-offers","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1720022400;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"A's Fantasy Camp - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/fans/fantasy-camp","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"A's Cast","linkUrl":"/fans/podcasts","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"A's Cast FAQ","linkUrl":"/fans/podcasts/faq","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Newsletters","linkUrl":"/fans/newsletters","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"PA Announcer: Amelia Schimmel","linkUrl":"/fans/pa-announcer","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Stomper's Home Fun","linkUrl":"/fans/activities","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"A's Kids","linkUrl":"/fans/kids","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Stomper","linkUrl":"/fans/stomper","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Bobbleheads","linkUrl":"/fans/bobbleheads","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Social Media Clubhouse","linkUrl":"/social","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Gift Guide","linkUrl":"/fans/gift-guide","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"National Anthem Interest Form - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/fans/national-anthem","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1727330460;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Scoreboard Messages - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/fans/scoreboard-messages","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1727380800;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Athletics HOF Ballot - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/fans/athletics-hall-of-fame-ballot","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1694069940;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pumpkin Stencils - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/fans/pumpkin-stencils","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Standings","linkUrl":"/standings","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Apps","linkUrl":"/apps","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB","linkUrl":"/apps/mlb-app","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Rally","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/apps/rally","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Beat the Streak","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/apps/beat-the-streak","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Ballpark","linkUrl":"/apps/ballpark","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Play","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/play","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MiLB","linkUrl":"https://www.milb.com/about/milb-app","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Home Run Derby","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/apps/home-run-derby","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB FAQs","linkUrl":"/apps/mlb-app/faq-apple","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Ballpark FAQs","linkUrl":"/apps/ballpark/frequently-asked-questions","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Play FAQs","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/help/play/frequently-asked-questions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Rally FAQs","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/apps/rally/faq-apple","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"expires:1720022400;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Vote","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/all-star/ballot?affiliateId=asb-topnav-club-2024","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":"gameday","linkTarget":"_blank","linkText":"Las Vegas","linkUrl":"https://ballparkexperience.athletics.com/","placement":"right","visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":"watch","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"MLB.TV","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/tv?&affiliateId=clubMENU","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy MLB.TV Offseason Package","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/subscribe?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Watch & Listen","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Link Account","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/partners?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Help Center","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/help-center?&affiliateId=clubMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Shop","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/athletics/t-25891133+z-9357943-3777320267?_s=bm-mlbcom-ath","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Jerseys","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/athletics/jerseys/t-69780022+d-9061551214+z-8-2318743475?_s=bm-mlbcom-ath","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Caps","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/athletics/caps/t-25906677+d-6716885592+z-92-415439764?_s=bm-mlbcom-ath","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Men's","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/athletics/men/t-25904477+ga-89+z-957997-687438921?_s=bm-mlbcom-ath","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Women's","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/athletics/women/t-14344466+ga-79+z-944761-1520188042?_s=bm-mlbcom-ath","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Kids","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/athletics/kids/t-25788800+ga-70+z-964782-3159009367?_s=bm-mlbcom-ath","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Big & Tall","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/athletics/big-and-tall/t-25018877+es-46+z-914086-3128445241?_s=bm-mlbcom-ath","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Trading Cards","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/athletics/trading-cards/t-14780066+d-8963486384+z-93-1685599583?_s=bm-mlb.com-ShopButton-2024-TradingCards-ath","linkTarget":"","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Home & Office","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/athletics/home-and-office/t-14236633+d-6783664555+z-96-2690863686?_s=bm-mlbcom-ath","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Clearance","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/athletics/sale-items/t-36786644+os-78+z-959757-761479651?_s=bm-mlbcom-ath","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"European Shop","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshopeurope.com/en/athletics/t-25891133+z-9357943-3777320267?portal=V1GNV6KD&CMP=PSC-V1GNV6KD","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Gift Certificates","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/gift-cards/x-462351+z-94899005-3509039474?_s=bm-mlbcom-ath","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Athletics Authentic Shop","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/oakland-athletics/authentication-program/t-25349933+c-4544573190+z-94-426061534","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"A's Auctions - Bid or Buy","linkUrl":"https://athletics.auctions.mlb.com/?_gl=1*t8xqh8*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE2ODEzMTA3NTguQ2p3S0NBandyZG1oQmhCQkVpd0E0SHg1Z3o2dl9TZW54SkRtTFl4REpsRVBhTHRvSmlQUjFHZTY4SGpVWmYtU0lrTWdURmdDUU9kMmVSb0NnTk1RQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_dc*R0NMLjE2ODEzMTA3NTguQ2p3S0NBandyZG1oQmhCQkVpd0E0SHg1Z3o2dl9TZW54SkRtTFl4REpsRVBhTHRvSmlQUjFHZTY4SGpVWmYtU0lrTWdURmdDUU9kMmVSb0NnTk1RQXZEX0J3RQ..&utm_source=Nav+Auction+Tray+OAK&utm_medium=Club.com+Shop+Nav&utm_campaign=Club.com+permanent+Navigation","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Auctions - Bid or Buy","linkUrl":"https://auctions.mlb.com/iSynApp/showHomePage.action?sid=1101001&isynsharedsession=mki8i1dARcxDt3WwReTi6kJOREHftyZJNK-Xg3m10ZpEdaSACl02r4aCDzYhNvUm&utm_source=Nav+Auction+Tray+OAK&utm_medium=Club.com+Shop+Nav+MLB&utm_campaign=Club.com+permanent+Navigation","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Authentication","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/official-information/authentication","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Store Locations","linkUrl":"/ballpark/team-store","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"module:teammodule;align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Teams","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/team","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Module","linkUrl":null,"linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"module:teammodule;"}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Español","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/es/athletics","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"","icon":"stadium","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"New Ballpark - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/oakland-ballpark","placement":null,"visible":"false","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Waterfront Ballpark District - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/oakland-ballpark/project-details","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Community Engagement - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/oakland-ballpark/community-engagement","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"News and Press Releases - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/oakland-ballpark/news","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"FAQs - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/oakland-ballpark/faq","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Stay Connected - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/oakland-ballpark/register","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Get Involved - HIDDEN","linkUrl":"/oakland-ballpark/community-engagement/get-involved","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]}],"cfPalette":{"__typename":"CF_Palette","headerMastheadBackgroundColor":"#FFB819","headerMastheadTextColor":"#ffffff","headerNavigationBackgroundColor":"#006141","headerNavigationBorderColor":"#FFB819","headerNavigationTextColorHover":"#333333","headerNavigationTextColor":"#FFFFFF"},"cfWebProperties":{"__typename":"CF_WebProperties","urlLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":"//images.ctfassets.net/iiozhi00a8lc/t133_url_logoathletics_url_svg/0c297f79fb1449f9fe7ac22fd5516eb5/t133_url_logo_green_gold_v2.svg"},"headerMastheadTagline":null,"headerPrimaryLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":"//images.ctfassets.net/iiozhi00a8lc/6pTfb3rol9EuujxQMapyVn/e58bc760571f353a06ae8fb8ccb31c40/133_gold.svg","description":null},"headerMastheadSponsorImage":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadTaglineContainerWidth":"512px","headerMastheadTaglineContainerHeight":"40px"}}},"Team:133":{"__typename":"Team","id":133,"division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"name":"Athletics","shortName":"Athletics","teamName":"Athletics"},"Person:571666":{"__typename":"Person","id":571666},"Division:200":{"__typename":"Division","id":"200"},"Division:205":{"__typename":"Division","id":"205"},"Team:134":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":134,"name":"Pittsburgh Pirates","shortName":"Pittsburgh","teamName":"Pirates"},"Division:203":{"__typename":"Division","id":"203"},"Team:135":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":135,"name":"San Diego Padres","shortName":"San Diego","teamName":"Padres"},"Team:136":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":136,"name":"Seattle Mariners","shortName":"Seattle","teamName":"Mariners"},"Team:137":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":137,"name":"San Francisco Giants","shortName":"San Francisco","teamName":"Giants"},"Team:138":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":138,"name":"St. Louis Cardinals","shortName":"St. Louis","teamName":"Cardinals"},"Division:201":{"__typename":"Division","id":"201"},"Team:139":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":139,"name":"Tampa Bay Rays","shortName":"Tampa Bay","teamName":"Rays"},"Team:140":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":140,"name":"Texas Rangers","shortName":"Texas","teamName":"Rangers"},"Team:141":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":141,"name":"Toronto Blue Jays","shortName":"Toronto","teamName":"Blue Jays"},"Division:202":{"__typename":"Division","id":"202"},"Team:142":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":142,"name":"Minnesota Twins","shortName":"Minnesota","teamName":"Twins"},"Division:204":{"__typename":"Division","id":"204"},"Team:143":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":143,"name":"Philadelphia Phillies","shortName":"Philadelphia","teamName":"Phillies"},"Team:144":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":144,"name":"Atlanta Braves","shortName":"Atlanta","teamName":"Braves"},"Team:145":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":145,"name":"Chicago White Sox","shortName":"Chi White Sox","teamName":"White Sox"},"Team:146":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":146,"name":"Miami Marlins","shortName":"Miami","teamName":"Marlins"},"Team:147":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":147,"name":"New York Yankees","shortName":"NY Yankees","teamName":"Yankees"},"Team:158":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":158,"name":"Milwaukee Brewers","shortName":"Milwaukee","teamName":"Brewers"},"Team:108":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":108,"name":"Los Angeles Angels","shortName":"LA Angels","teamName":"Angels"},"Team:109":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":109,"name":"Arizona Diamondbacks","shortName":"Arizona","teamName":"D-backs"},"Team:110":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":110,"name":"Baltimore Orioles","shortName":"Baltimore","teamName":"Orioles"},"Team:111":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":111,"name":"Boston Red Sox","shortName":"Boston","teamName":"Red Sox"},"Team:112":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":112,"name":"Chicago Cubs","shortName":"Chi Cubs","teamName":"Cubs"},"Team:113":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":113,"name":"Cincinnati Reds","shortName":"Cincinnati","teamName":"Reds"},"Team:114":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":114,"name":"Cleveland Guardians","shortName":"Cleveland","teamName":"Guardians"},"Team:115":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":115,"name":"Colorado Rockies","shortName":"Colorado","teamName":"Rockies"},"Team:116":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":116,"name":"Detroit Tigers","shortName":"Detroit","teamName":"Tigers"},"Team:117":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":117,"name":"Houston Astros","shortName":"Houston","teamName":"Astros"},"Team:118":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":118,"name":"Kansas City Royals","shortName":"Kansas City","teamName":"Royals"},"Team:119":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":119,"name":"Los Angeles Dodgers","shortName":"LA Dodgers","teamName":"Dodgers"},"Team:120":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":120,"name":"Washington Nationals","shortName":"Washington","teamName":"Nationals"},"Team:121":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":121,"name":"New York Mets","shortName":"NY Mets","teamName":"Mets"}}}
window.adobeAnalytics = {"reportingSuiteId":"mlbglobal08,mlbathletics","linkInternalFilters":"oakland,athletics"}
window.globalState = {"tracking_title":"Athletics","lang":"en"}
window.appId = ''
/*-->*/
OAKLAND -- Mike Fiers had to sit on the bench at Yankee Stadium for the 2018 American League Wild Card Game and watch the A’s get eliminated from the postseason without pitching, despite putting up numbers many felt were worthy of starting that game.
Then came 2019, when the A’s made it back to the AL Wild Card Game, this time in Oakland against the Rays. Fiers finished the regular season leading the team with wins and posting great numbers at the Coliseum, but he was passed up for the starting assignment, yet again having to watch an A’s elimination from the bench.
Third time’s the charm?
Facing a White Sox club that feasts on left-handers -- now 15-0 this year against southpaws after defeating Jesús Luzardo in Game 1 -- the A’s turned to the right-handed Fiers in a winner-take-all Game 3 of the AL Wild Card Series on Thursday at the Coliseum.
“It was a fun call for me to finally reward him,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said.
Fiers wasn't in the game for long, however. He allowed one run on five hits and one walk with two strikeouts in 1 2/3 innings. He allowed a leadoff home run to Luis Robert in the second, then later loaded the bases with a two-out walk to Yasmani Grandal that ended his outing. Oakland turned to righty Yusmeiro Petit, who got José Abreu to ground out to end the inning.
For the A’s, a streak of futility in winner-take-all postseason contests is on the line. The A’s have lost nine straight winner-take-all games dating back to Game 5 of the 2000 AL Division Series against the Yankees, the longest streak in Major League Baseball history.
Why throw Fiers? Aside from being a right-hander, he also had good history against Chicago. In eight previous career starts against the White Sox, Fiers was 4-0 with a 1.58 ERA, holding them scoreless over his previous 14 2/3 innings.
Notable White Sox stats vs. Mike Fiers Jose Abreu: 3-for-20, 0HR Edwin Encarnacion: 3-for-28, 2HR Nomar Mazara: 6-for-29, 1HR Tim Anderson: 6-for-13, 1HR
“A lot went into it,” Melvin said of the decision to start Fiers. “Their numbers against lefties. Mike has had some good games against these guys, albeit not exactly the same lineup.”
Frankie Montas, another right-handed starter, entered the game in relief to begin the fourth inning. The hard-throwing righty struggled towards the end of the season, but he shined in his final start of the regular season on Sunday with 13 strikeouts and two unearned runs over seven innings against the Mariners.
“It’s one day short for him,” Melvin said. “He’s the guy that probably has the most resilient arm. On his bullpen day the day after his starts, he’s always throwing the hardest of any of our guys."
With the White Sox also starting a right-hander in rookie Dane Dunning, the A’s decided to balance their order between lefties and righties, expecting to see Chicago's bullpen early. And that was the case, as Dunning exited after recording only two outs and turning it over to lefty Garrett Crochet.
“It’s nice to see KD showing up with his best work right now,” Melvin said. “It bothers me when I can’t put him in there. I have a great relationship with him, I love the man. He’s got a really determined look in his eye.”