Athletics Win Streak Ends at 2: Takeaways From Loss to Rays

The Athletics would completely crumble in the series opener.

Jul 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Athletics manager Mark Kotsay against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Unbelievable.

The Athletics, after winning back-to-back games vs. Boston, would enter the Rays' series with a chip on their shoulder. It would show, as the A's would jump out to a 6-2 lead entering the top of the eighth, where the Rays would promptly score eight runs, which gave us the final score of 10-6. Tragic.

Jacob Lopez Paved the Way Perfectly

Athletics pitcher Jacob Lopez (57) walks off the mound after the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Athletics at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026 The game was tied 1-1 after three innings. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

For the first time in 43 games, an Athletics starter would make it past the seventh inning of a start. This set the stage for what could have been a very clean win for the Athletics, but as we now know, this would not happen. Lopez would pitch 7.0 innings, while allowing five hits and just two runs.

Since the break, Lopez has posted a 2.36 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP in 26.2 innings. He leads the Athletics in each of those categories. With the season nearly over, it’s a shame the Athletics haven’t been able to capitalize on his resurgence. If they had, this team could be in a much better position.

Welcome Back, Zack Gelof

Jul 8, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Athletics third baseman Zack Gelof (20) makes an off balance throw to first to try and get Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler (not pictured) on a slow ground ball in the first inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

With how many injuries the Athletics have had to deal with, getting one back feels good. This season, Zack Gelof has been one of the team's top contributors, batting .277 with a .823 OPS, as well as 12 home runs and 31 RBIs. When you also factor in his defensive utility capabilities, it is clear that the A's had missed Mr. Gelof.

In the loss, Gelof would go 2-of-4 with a home run and an RBI double. While this might not be sustainable for too long, there is no doubt that Gelof has found his stride early. His home run in the fifth would also extend his home-hitting streak to 22 games.

This Bullpen

Aug 8, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Athletics pitcher Seth Johnson (52) pitches during the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Athletics bullpen collapsed harder than it had all season. Up four runs, there was plenty of breathing room and no real pressure. However, in just two innings, Seth Johnson, Jose Suarez, and Scott Blewett allowed seven hits, eight runs, and two walks. Even though the Athletics bullpen would be decent in the Boston series, this game served as a firm reminder of why the Athletics' bullpen is ranked dead last in MLB.

The most disappointing outing from the game had to come from Seth Johnson. He would not even get an out, while allowing three hits and four runs, including a three-run shot from Junior Caminero. Considering Johnson was the only player added at the deadline, this lack of production is very concerning.