Athletics’ Young Core Takes on Astros in Home-Opening Series
The Oakland Athletics return to California for a three-game home series against the Houston Astros. First pitch is Friday, April 3 at 6:40 p.m. PT (9:40 p.m. ET). The games are at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento.
Filmogaz.com notes Athletics’ Young Core Takes on Astros in Home-Opening Series as the club searches for momentum. The minor-league ballpark seats about 14,000. This is the A’s only three-game homestand in their first 15 games.
Series and season context
The A’s opened the year 1-5 on the road against Toronto and Atlanta. That marks the second 1-5 start in three seasons. Oakland is tied for the lowest winning percentage in the majors with Boston and Chicago.
Oakland has recent success versus Houston. The A’s went 8-5 against the Astros in 2025. They won the season series for the first time since 2020.
Lineups and starting pitchers
| Athletics (vs. Cristian Javier) | Position / Notes |
|---|---|
| Jeffrey Springs | LHP, 0-0, 3.38 ERA, 2 SO (listed as pitcher) |
| Nick Kurtz | 1B |
| Shea Langeliers | C |
| Tyler Soderstrom | LF |
| Brent Rooker | DH |
| Jacob Wilson | SS |
| Lawrence Butler | RF |
| Max Muncy | 3B |
| Jeff McNeil | 2B |
| Denzel Clarke | CF |
| Astros (vs. Jeffrey Springs) | Position / Notes |
|---|---|
| Cristian Javier | RHP, 0-0, 11.57 ERA, 1 SO (listed as pitcher) |
| Jeremy Peña | SS |
| Yordan Alvarez | DH |
| Jose Altuve | 2B |
| Carlos Correa | 3B |
| Christian Walker | 1B |
| Cam Smith | RF |
| Jake Meyers | CF |
| Yainer Diaz | C |
| Brice Matthews | LF |
Young hitters to watch
The A’s lineup features several rising bats. Lawrence Butler, Brent Rooker, Jacob Wilson, Nick Kurtz, Shea Langeliers and Tyler Soderstrom headline the youth movement.
Shea Langeliers has five homers in Oakland’s first six games. That matches Mark McGwire’s 1992 club mark for homers in the first six games. Langeliers also leads the majors in home runs with five.
Brent Rooker sits near a 100-mark milestone in his Athletics career. A home run would put him at 100 with the club and make him the 30th player in franchise history to reach that mark.
Nick Kurtz tore up Houston last year. He hit .500 (21-for-42) in 10 games versus the Astros in 2025. His totals included 17 runs, six doubles, nine homers, and 18 RBIs.
Pitching, bullpen and milestones
Jeffrey Springs draws the start for Oakland. He has been successful against Houston previously. Springs is 3-0 with a 3.55 ERA in four games, including two starts, versus the Astros in his career.
Against AL West teams last year, Springs went 5-2 with a 2.91 ERA and a .594 opponents OPS in 10 games. He is 15-6 with a 3.44 ERA for his career versus the division.
Springs needs one strikeout to reach 500 for his nine-year career. The A’s bullpen has allowed two runs in the last four games. That stretch covered 16.1 innings and produced a 1.10 ERA.
Oakland’s bullpen carries a 2.52 ERA overall. That mark is ninth lowest among major league bullpens.
Odds and viewing
| Market | Odds (BetMGM) |
|---|---|
| Spread | Astros -1.5 (+140) / Athletics +1.5 (-165) |
| Total (O/U) | Over 10 (-105) / Under 10 (-115) |
| Moneyline | Astros -115 / Athletics -105 |
First pitch again is April 3 at 6:40 p.m. PT (9:40 p.m. ET). Check local listings for television and streaming options.
Filmogaz.com will continue coverage of the A’s season. Expect updates on lineups, injuries, and statistical milestones. Fans should watch for breakout performances from the young core.
