Elephant Rumblings: A’s return home from Texas “Two-Sweep”

MLB news roundup

Happy Monday, Athletics Nation!

The A’s completed a four-game sweep of the Astros in Houston yesterday. This series could prove to be a high mark for the A’s 2025 season—and hopefully a sharp upward inflection point towards a strong fall finish that will reveal a young team gelling into a future contender.

The A’s dominated the AL West leading Astros throughout the series, outscoring Houston 32-7. The sweep also gives the A’s a 6-4 lead in the season series between these rivals, with three left to play in September.

Of course, what really made this series special was the unbelievable six hit, four home run performance by rookie first baseman Nick Kurtz on Friday.

Another highlight of the series came on Thursday, when somewhat beleaguered starting pitcher Luis Severino turned in a masterful performance on the mound to set a winning tone for the rest of the series. Sevy’s gem could bolster the A’s return if they trade their ace this week—or, perhaps it will provide a meaningful confidence boost if the righty winds up playing out the season in green and gold.

The Houston sweep marked a dramatic momentum shift for the A’s, who were on the losing end of a three-game sweep at the hands of the Rangers in Arlington in their preceding series. Tonight, the A’s are back in Sacramento to take on the Mariners. We shall soon see if the A’s have more fuel in the booster they picked up in Houston to propel them through this home stand—and which, if any, of the swirling trade rumors become reality.

Have a terrific week, AN.

A’s Coverage

• How Sweep It Is! “B” Lineup Steps Up In 7-1 Thrashing
• Trade Deadline Coming: Blogfather’s (Almost Certainly Wrong) Predictions
• Kurtz dealing with lower body fatigue, sits out series finale
• Kurtz’s bat bound for Cooperstown after historic four-homer night

MLB News & Interest:

• Ichiro, Sabathia, Wagner, Parker, Allen inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame ($)
• Dodgers Notes: Snell, Ohtani, Rotation, Miller, Treinen
• Dodgers Release Lou Trivino
• Braves Acquire Erick Fedde, Place Grant Holmes On 60-Day IL
• Dipoto: Mariners Will Be “Aggressive” In Search For High-End Relief Help
• Yankees Place Aaron Judge On Injured List With Flexor Strain
• Rangers Interested In High-Leverage Reliever, Right-Handed Bat
• Joe Kelly To Throw For Dodgers
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Roster moves.

A’s are busily signing picks.

I’ve missed Oly, but…we’re good.

Baseball’s all-time hit man inducted.

A former Athletic and newly enshrined HOFer shares his words from beyond.

Parker wasn’t the only former Athletic inducted yesterday.

The A’s merely compounded the Astros’ existing woes.