Elephant Rumblings: A’s take first series, begin tough home stand

MLB news roundup

Happy Monday, Athletics Nation!

Things may have ended on a down note, but the A’s picked up something valuable in Colorado over the weekend: their first series win of 2025, and with it, a much-needed reboot after being unceremoniously swept last week in their first Sacramento home series.

The A’s offense is showing promise. Designated hitter Brent Rooker seems to be picking up where he left off last year. Right fielder Lawrence Butler is showing signs of life after a slow start at the plate. First baseman Tyler Soderstrom has been the hottest hitter on the team, while Nick Kurtz has been one of the hottest hitters in Triple-A, creating the dilemma of where to put another first baseman who is furiously pounding at the gates as last year’s minor league phenom, shortstop Jacob Wilson, seems to be hitting his stride in the bigs.

This week, we will see if the A’s can sustain their offensive momentum—and if their pitching can adjust to their new home field—as the team begins a challenging home stand at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento. Having top rotation arm Luis Severino on the mound today helps make this moment feel like a fresh start.

We should hope the A’s are feeling fresh, as this week’s opponents are off to a good start on the season, and formidably assembled: the Padres are 8-2, the Mets 6-3, and the 4-6 A’s are playing both NL contenders three times this week. It’s an opportunity to make a big statement in front of the home crowd, but also a potential early season momentum-killer if the A’s repeat last week’s disastrous performance at home against the Cubs.

Let’s see what these Athletics have got. Have a terrific week, AN.

A’s Coverage:

• A’s drop series finale in Colorado, lose 12-5
• Eyeball Scout On First 8 Games…A Mixed Bag, Of Course
• Athletics power past the Rockies 7-4
• Athletics defeat the snow and the Rockies 6-3
• Slugging A’s showing ‘capability’ to score in different ways
• After tough road, Waldichuk ready to turn the corner

MLB News & Interest:

• Victor Robles Carted Off Field With Shoulder Injury
• Pirates to reinstate Roberto Clemente sign that had been replaced by ad, apologizes to family ($)
• Jerry Reinsdorf Not Pursuing Sale Of White Sox
• Adam Ottavino Elects Free Agency
• MLB commissioner Rob Manfred talks torpedo bats, robot umpires in overview of league’s future ($)
• Braves Activate Sean Murphy, Designate Chadwick Tromp
• Dodgers Place Blake Snell On 15-Day Injured List
• Brewers Place Nestor Cortes On 15-Day IL Due To Flexor Strain
• Rockies Promote Chase Dollander
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Video game numbers.

Reggie honors Clemente.

Ports no-hitter!