How the Athletics Can Rebound Against Rangers

After getting beaten cleanly by the Rays in the previous series, the A's have some adjusting to do before facing their divisional opponent.

Apr 26, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Athletics pitcher J.T. Ginn (35) attempts to field a ground ball by Texas Rangers left fielder Brandon Nimmo (24), who reached on an infield single during the first inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

After getting demolished by the Rays in a three-game series, the Athletics need to bounce back against their first-division opponent since the break.

Even though the Athletics are no longer talking about winning the AL West, they could still make a small dent with 41 games left in the season. With their top three pitchers taking the mound, it is very possible for the Athletics to win this series. Here is how they can do it.

Gage Jump Stays Hot

Aug 2, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics starting pitcher Gage Jump (61) during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Gage Jump has not been the best since the break, posting a scary 6.38 ERA and a 1.79 WHIP. However, in his last start vs. the Red Sox, he pitched 6.0 innings, allowing just two runs and striking out a career-high 11 batters.

If Jump can build off that start, the Athletics will have the inside route to winning the series outright. JT Ginn and Jacob Lopez have been very consistent lately, and it does not feel like they will collapse any time soon. For that reason, Jump will need to set the tone in Game 1.

Lawrence Butler Stays Hot

Aug 12, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics right fielder Lawrence Butler (4) reacts after hitting a home run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Despite a -16 run differential during the Rays' series, it is abundantly clear that the offense was not to blame for the team's shortcomings. In three games, the A's would put up 14 runs, which, for any other team, would probably be the magic number to at least take one of the three games.

Zack Gelof would be the best hitter in the series, no doubt, posting a .417 batting average, along with two home runs. But Lawrence Butler would also shine, with a .333 batting average and two home runs as well. Gelof has proven to be consistent; the same cannot be said for Butler. If he can remain hot, the Athletics' offense will be able to provide ample run support for a series win.

The Bullpen Needs To Be Serviceable

Aug 7, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Athletics pitcher Luis Medina (46) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Obviously, for a successful series, the bullpen, offense, and starting rotation need to be good. The offense is trending in the right direction despite losing two All-Stars to injury, and the Athletics luckily have their three best starters on the mound throughout the series. It now puts pressure on the bullpen to deliver.

In Game 1 vs. the Rays, the Athletics bullpen would blow a 6-2 lead by giving up eight runs in the eighth inning. In Game 2, the Athletics bullpen would combine for six earned runs. You get the point. Given the factors mentioned above, it is likely we will see the bullpen used in favorable situations, meaning the Athletics will likely have a lead and momentum behind them.

Aug 2, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics pitcher Hogan Harris (36) throws a pitch against the Detroit Tigers during the sixth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Because of this, the bullpen has few excuses. The good news for the Athletics is that they will have Hogan Harris and Luis Medina with fresh arms, as they did not pitch in the series vs. the Rays. With two very solid arms at Mark Kotsay's disposal, the Athletics should win at least one game during the series.