NewsA's expect tough series from Rangers
Oakland (71-78) vs. Texas (81-67), 7:05 p.m. PT
By Rick Eymer / Special to MLB.com
09/20/09 7:50 PM ET
OAKLAND -- The Athletics delivered a knockout punch the last time they met the Rangers, sweeping them in Texas last week and outscoring them, 19-1, in the three-game set. The Rangers come to Oakland not only looking for a measure of revenge, but to remain relevant in the Wild Card race. The A's have been streaking lately, but they know what they might face when the four-game series opens Monday. "We had a good series there and they've won some big games lately," A's manager Bob Geren said. "They are coming in trying to stay in the race and they will be coming hard. We look forward to the competition." The A's have put together a remarkable string of games since losing two in a row to the Seattle Mariners on Sept. 3-4. They are 12-2 since then, taking a series in Minnesota before sweeping the Rangers and Indians. Should the Twins and/or Rangers miss the playoffs, it will likely be because they ran into the A's when they were playing their best baseball. Geren said right-hander Edgar Gonzalez will not be restricted in any way even though he is making just his fifth start of the season among 25 appearances. Gonzalez pitched four innings in relief of Dana Eveland against the Rangers last week, allowing a run on four hits. He's pitched three times over the past 36 games. Pitching matchupOAK: RHP Edgar Gonzalez (0-2, 4.74 ERA)
Oakland's designated long reliever for most of the season, Gonzalez was moved into the rotation as its sixth man as the club tries to limit the workload of its young starters. Gonzalez hasn't pitched much of late, with only six outings since July 27, but he faced the Rangers in his most recent assignment and pitched well, holding Texas to a run -- David Murphy hit a solo homer -- over four-plus innings. TEX: RHP Kevin Millwood (10-10, 3.94 ERA)
Millwood is making his first start since an 8-3 loss to the Mariners in which he allowed five runs in 32/3 innings. He has spent the time since then working in the bullpen with pitching coach Mike Maddux. He is 2-5 with a 6.29 ERA in 12 starts since the beginning of July. He is 3-7 with a 4.71 ERA in 14 starts on the road. Millwood is 1-0 with a 2.57 ERA in two starts against Oakland this year and 5-3 with a 3.66 ERA in 15 starts against them lifetime. Tidbits
Mark Ellis has a career .414 average (12-29) against Millwood, but has never driven in a run against him. ... On the other hand, Adam Kennedy is 1-14 (.071) against the Rangers' right-hander, with that hit being a home run. ... Jack Cust has an unusual line against Millwood, hitting .190 (4-21) with no home runs, but four RBIs. He's also struck out 11 times and walked six times against Millwood. ... After losing five of their first seven games against the Rangers, the A's have won seven of the past eight. ... The A's will likely finish with a winning September, which would be their first winning month since June of 2008. ... The A's need one more win against the Rangers to clinch their first season series win since going 11-8 against them in 2005. The A's lead the season series 9-6. Tickets
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• Tuesday: Athletics (Trevor Cahill, 9-12, 4.54) vs. Rangers (Brandon McCarthy, 7-3, 4.97), 7:05 p.m. PT
• Wednesday: Athletics (Clay Mortensen, 2-2, 6.12) vs. Rangers (Tommy Hunter, 8-4, 3.25), 7:05 p.m. PT
• Thursday: Athletics (Brett Anderson, 10-10, 4.21) vs. Rangers (TBD), 12:35 p.m. PT
Rick Eymer is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
