Athletics Drop Series Opener: Takeaways From Ugly Shutout Loss

The Athletics offense, for the most part, has been good, but far from great. Considering they are down their three best hitters in Nick Kurtz, Shea Langeliers, and now Tyler Soderstrom, a result like this was bound to happen. This loss also marks the first time since Aug. 2 that the Athletics have failed to score a run. With ace JT Ginn on the mound, a loss like this simply cannot happen.

On the night, the Athletics as a team would go 3-for-30 (.100) while walking five times. The team would also go 0-for-5 with RISP (McNeil 0-1, Walton 0-1, Muncy 0-1, Butler 0-1, Bolte 0-1), a key driver in the loss. Overall, the Athletics would leave eight runners on base, with Max Muncy leading the charge by leaving four on base. Expect a better Game 2.

Jonah Heim Needs To Wake Up

With Langeliers out for the season, it was inferred that Jonah Heim would be able to shoulder some of the production. But considering he has failed to record a hit in his last five outings, as well as batting just .077 in his last 39 at-bats, it is more than obvious that he has become an offensive liability.

It should be noted that Heim would throw out two runners in this game, which is a major reason why the game felt within striking distance. With solid defense, Heim needs to figure things out offensively. The term "Heim Time" would not be a thing if his recent skid was the baseline. Now it is a matter of making an impact to elevate this team.

Elvis Alvarado Trending in Right Direction

Elvis Alvarado has had a very bumpy season, to say the least. This year, Alvarado has posted a 4.39 ERA with a decent 1.22 WHIP. Not the best numbers for a late-inning reliever, but the tools are there. Alvarado ranks in the 96th percentile in fastball velocity and in the 84th percentile in expected batting average.

What has really hurt Alvarado has been his control issues, with a walk rate in the 15th percentile. Not to mention that when batters do make contact, it usually ends badly, as he is near the bottom of the league in barrel percentage and hard-hit percentage. But after another efficient 11-pitch, nine-strike outing, Alvarado could be a premier reliever in due time, as his control issues have improved significantly.