It’s finally here. Opening Day 2024 is upon us, and the Oakland Athletics look to shock the world and make the World Series this year.
Kidding. But, in all seriousness, the A’s look to improve on a dismal 2023 and surprise many critics this year. They will be under the leadership of third-year manager Mark Kotsay, who is currently 110-214. It’s not all his fault, as he’s being dealt a bad hand with the players he has had these past couple of years.
But, this year looks somewhat promising. With offseason acquisitions of Alex Wood, Ross Stripling, and J.D. Davis to name a few, the team looks to make some sort of a run in (possibly) their last year at the Oakland Coliseum.
It starts tonight, as the A’s welcome the Cleveland Guardians to town. Let’s preview this one!
Stephen Vogt Returns To Oakland
After retiring as an Athletic at the end of the 2022 season, Vogt returns as the manager of the Guardians.
He was a fan favorite in Oakland, playing 528 games with the team while logging 1,800 plate appearances. Vogt had 56 home runs and 221 RBIs in his six seasons with the team, while being a part of the team’s 2013 and 2014 playoff run.
Now, he looks to bring his skills from his time as a catcher to the Guardians, with this being his first year guiding a team. It will be bittersweet to see him come to a place he once called home, and I expect A’s fans to welcome him back with open arms.
Matchup History
The A’s are 924-1048 against the Guardians, including 1-5 against them in 2023. Their last win was a 4-3 win on April 4th, 2023 at the Coliseum.
Pitching Matchup
Oakland will call on Alex Wood to be their Opening Day starter. Acquired via trade from the Giants, he looks to improve on his 4.33 ERA he put up in 2023 while also looking to be the team’s ace this year. Oakland hopes he shows signs of his 2021 self (10-4, 3.83 ERA).
As for the Guardians, they will call on Shane Bieber to lead the way. A former Cy Young winner, he was just 6-6 with a 3.80 ERA last year. He looks to improve on those numbers as well.
Lineups
For the Athletics, they will not have potential breakout Esteury Ruiz out in center field.
- 1B Ryan Noda
- 2B Zach Gelof
- CF JJ Bleday
- DH Brent Rooker
- LF Seth Brown
- 3B J.D. Davis
- C Shea Langeliers
- RF Lawrence Butler
- SS Nick Allen
As for the Guardians, this is who they will roll out.
- LF Steven Kwan
- 3B Jose Ramirez
- RF Ramon Laureano
- 1B Josh Naylor
- DH David Fry
- CF Tyler Freeman
- 2B Andres Jimenez
- C Austin Hedges
- SS Brayan Rocchio
Game Start: 7:07 PM PST
Game recap will be out after the game!
LET’S HAVE A GREAT SEASON! GO ATHLETICS.
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Featured Image: MLB.com
