Athletics Finally Take One: Takeaways From Series-Tying Win

Aside from the likes of Jeff McNeil , Lawrence Butler has been the Athletics' best player since the break. Since then, he has clobbered six homers while maintaining a solid .270 batting average and .830 OPS. Before the break, Butler had only hit five home runs, while posting an ugly .196 batting average and .592 OPS. A significant change to this point.

With so much offensive talent sidelined, the A's needed a handful of players to reach for the stars. But after McNeil did so, and Henry Bolte and Zack Gelof also contributed solid numbers, Butler has to follow suit if there is any hope for a turnaround. And even though it might be too late, Butler is trending in the right direction, which could point to a massive 2027 season.

Jacob Lopez Is on Ace Watch

After a bumpy outing from the Athletics' current ace, JT Ginn, in the series opener, Jacob Lopez would put on an absolute show in Game 2. In the win, Lopez pitched 6.0 innings while allowing just three hits, one run, and striking out nine. Considering he only threw 91 pitches, we may have been able to see him reach the seventh inning and beyond.

Since the break, Lopez has been head and shoulders above everyone else in the Athletics rotation. He now holds a 2.33 ERA, along with an elite 1.03 WHIP. Not to mention his 47 strikeouts, which lead the Athletics. Domination is the only word that can be used to describe the run Lopez is on right now.

Elvis Alvarado Is Athletics' Best Reliever

In a recent article, we went in depth on Elvis Alvarado's season, looking past ERA and other common pitching stats. We found that Alvarado has all the intangibles to be an elite pitcher in MLB. After yet another efficient outing to earn a save, we could be witnessing the start of something great.

In Alvarado's last 15 games, he has posted a very good 1.38 ERA in 13.0 innings pitched. In that time, he allowed only eight hits while striking out 15 batters. With everything in mind, it is clear that this is not a lucky stretch but rather the logical end for a pitcher who consistently touches 100 mph and has great off-speed stuff. There is little doubt that the Athletics have found something special.