Oakland Athletics and Arizona Diamondbacks open series with A's pitching struggles and Carroll injury

The Oakland Athletics travel to Arizona for the first game of a three‑game series against the Diamondbacks. Left‑hander Jeffrey Springs makes the start for the A's after a strong early season but has faltered in recent weeks, giving up many home runs. Manager Mark Kotsay hopes Springs can rebound as the team fights to stay alive in the playoff race.

Arizona’s lineup is missing star outfielder Corbin Carroll, who hyper‑extended his elbow in a walk‑off win the day before and will not play in the opener. He was replaced by Jorge Barrosa, while utilityman Tim Tawa moves into center field and the lineup is reshuffled accordingly.