Elephant Rumblings: A’s–Marlins Series Outlook

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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 01: Shea Langeliers #23 of the Athletics celebrates his solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the bottom of the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park on July 01, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Happy Friday A’s fans,

Earlier this week, the Athletics began a six-game stretch at home by losing two of three to the two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Tonight, they welcome the Miami Marlins for the opener of a three-game series. The Marlins, who have an even lower payroll than the A’s, posted an MLB-best 20-6 record in June to jump into the National League Wild Card picture.

Miami’s pitching staff, which has the 11th best ERA in the sport, played a major role in the club’s stellar performance over the past few weeks. While the A’s will not have to face standout right-hander Max Meyer, they’ll still draw the Marlins’ Dominican duo of Sandy Alcántara and Eury Pérez on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Meanwhile, only the Colorado Rockies have a higher ERA and have given up more runs than the Athletics’ much-maligned pitching staff. Yes, the team is playing in a hitter-friendly minor league park for a second straight season. However, that does not change the fact that these are major-league pitchers league pitchers who have earned their way to baseball’s highest level. As a result, they should be capable of making the necessary adjustments to limit the damage in a hitter-friendly environment.

Currently, it seems like the Athletics can only count on J.T. Ginn and Gage Jump to consistently deliver quality starts. On Wednesday night, Ginn shut down the Dodgers for six innings, helping his team avoid the series sweep.

Two nights prior, Jump endured his first rough outing against a Dodgers’ lineup loaded with star power, so the result was not entirely surprising. The promising rookie left-hander will look to bounce back in Sunday’s homestand finale. Before that, the A’s will turn to right-handers Jack Perkins and Aaron Civale to start tonight and tomorrow night.

Offensively, the Marlins are the opposite of the Athletics. Miami relies on speed to manufacture runs, leading the majors with 94 stolen bases this season. In contrast, the A’s have some speed, most notably center fielder Henry Bolte, but their offense is still driven primarily by the long ball.

The Marlins won’t make it easy, but there would be no better way for the Athletics to celebrate the Fourth of July than by putting their June struggles behind them and taking the series.

A’s Coverage:​

MLB News and Interest:​

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Ryan Lasko injury update:

Ryan Lasko provided an update today via IG: pic.twitter.com/gBZsHgl27S

— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) July 2, 2026

Funny exchange between these two A’s players. Lawrence Butler would greatly benefit from listening to Shea Langeliers’ advice as Butler’s batting average is still below the Mendoza line.

Lawrence Butler: “Four straight years of 20 homers, how do you do it?”

Shea Langeliers: “Swing at strikes”

#Athletics#MLBpic.twitter.com/U84FYyBISv

— Jake Gadon (@JakeGadon_TV) July 2, 2026

The American League West remains up in the air with only the Los Angeles Angels out of the divisional race at this point in the season.

AL West leader on April 1: Astros (5-2)

AL West leader on May 1: A's (17-15)

AL West leader on June 1: Mariners (32-29)

AL West leader on July 1: Rangers (44-43)

— Danny Vietti (@DannyVietti) July 2, 2026

Injuries have taken a toll on this team and could be one reason behind its June swoon. The return of several key players over the next two months could fuel a rise back up the standings.

The A's have a TON of players that are banged up right now. #Athleticspic.twitter.com/eI88qtxHo7

— Uprooted (@uprootedoakland) July 2, 2026

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