Athletics Show Promise in Shutout Win Over Minnesota

The Athletics bullpen has really struggled as of late, but has started to pick up some steam. In the win, the Athletics would use Geoff Hartlieb, Jose Suarez, Elvis Alvarado, and Hogan Harris to close out the game.

The group would play great; the only reason this section is captioned as decent is because of the 0.1 innings Hartlieb pitched, during which he walked three batters and was pulled. Moving forward, it is clear that the relievers in the bullpen are starting to find their identity.

With Harris as the closer and Suarez looking like an incredible option in the middle of the game, there is real hope for this group moving forward. The only thing the A's need to smooth out is their starting rotation, which, like the bullpen, has seen improvement.

Jacob Lopez is a Stud

The Athletics' starting rotation all season has been very questionable. With injuries, premature call-ups, you name it, the Athletics have faced it. But with Aaron Civale getting traded, it opened up a rotation spot for Jacob Lopez, a pitcher who was in the starting rotation earlier this season but was sent down due to performance issues.

However, Lopez has looked like one of the better A's pitchers overall. This was reinforced in the win, where Lopez pitched 5.0 innings, allowing a single hit and four walks. And while the walk number was concerning, this will go away soon. Lopez was often targeting the corners, and with that come close balls and strikes.

Tommy White is Looking Scary

Despite the 1-of-4 he hit in the win, Tommy White looks like a player who can really elevate this team. Two of his outs probably should have been hits, if not for great defensive efforts from the Twins. And his double should have been a home run if not for the stadium wall.

Either way, White is hitting the ball very hard. With White heating up, the Athletics should be able to remain steady until Nick Kurtz and Joshua Kuroda-Grauer re-enter the lineup. When this happens, the Athletics' top 5 offensive production from earlier this season might even be surpassed. The future is bright for the A's.