Game #31, Athletics vs. Royals Game Thread

TL;DR

The Athletics face the Royals in a deciding game after winning last night 5-2. Jeffrey Springs starts for the A's, aiming to recover from recent losses against Royals' Noah Cameron.

Key points

Athletics won last night 5-2 against the Royals
Jeffrey Springs starts for the Athletics
Springs has a 3.2 record and 3.79 ERA
Vinnie Pasquantino is out due to back tightness
The game is a rubber match in a three-game series

AthleticsRoyals

Apr 25, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Athletics starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs (59) throws during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images This afternoon, the Athletics will take on the Kansas City Royals in the rubber match of their three-game series. After letting the series-opener slip through their fingers in an extra-inning defeat, the A’s rebounded last night, defeating the Royals 5-2 to force this series-deciding finale. Luis Severino shone on the mound, pitching seven innings of one-run ball and right fielder Lawrence Butler’s three-run home run to the right field berm was the key offensive blow. With a winning April already secured, a victory today would give the team a third-straight series win and a strong finish to its first full month of the season. Left-hander Jeffrey Springs gets the start for the A’s today. The 33-year-old enters his seventh start with a 3.2 record and a 3.79 ERA. In his last start at the Texas Rangers, Springs pitched well until his sixth and final inning, when he gave up Rangers’ third baseman Josh Jung’s go-ahead, game-winning home run. In his previous start, at home against the , Springs gave up seven runs in five innings. Having suffered back-to-back losses, the veteran lefty aims to right the ship today and return to the form he displayed in his first few outings of 2026. Springs will be opposed by Royals’ left-hander . The 26-year-old impressed in his rookie season last year, going 9-7 with a 2.99 ERA in 24 starts. Cameron is 2-1 with a 5.13 ERA through his first five starts of his sophomore campaign. He is coming off a strong outing against the , in which he allowed three runs over 6 1/3 innings. The A’s faced Cameron twice last season, faring better against him at home than in . Cameron will face this A’s lineup this afternoon: Designated hitter , who has not recorded a hit since coming off the injured list, is out of today’s lineup as is left fielder , who is still recovering from whiplash sustained when attempting to make a diving catch in Friday’s contest. The team’s hottest-hitter, left fielder remains in the lineup, even with a left-hander pitching for the Royals. Both catchers are starting, with serving as the designated hitter to give his legs a rest following two-straight days behind the plate. Last but not least, hopefully yesterday’s home run will get Butler going offensively as the team needs more production out of the inconsistent outfielder. Springs will face this batting order for the Royals today: The Royals are trotting out several regulars, including the duo atop the lineup in and However lefty sluggers and are on the bench, with Pasquantino sidelined due to back tightness suffered Tuesday night. It is time to win another series. Let’s go Athletics!

Q&A

What was the outcome of the previous Athletics vs. Royals game?

The Athletics won the previous game against the Royals 5-2.

Who is starting for the Athletics in today's game against the Royals?

Jeffrey Springs is starting for the Athletics in today's game.

What are Jeffrey Springs' recent performance stats?

Jeffrey Springs has a record of 3.2 and a 3.79 ERA entering his seventh start.

Why is Vinnie Pasquantino not playing in today's game?

Vinnie Pasquantino is sidelined due to back tightness suffered in a previous game.