Oakland hosts Texas in a high-stakes series opener, with the A’s riding a rookie-infused lineup led by Nick Kurtz as they chase the season-series edge. Jeffrey Springs starts for Oakland, aiming to drop his season ERA under 4 after a solid recent showing. Jack Leiter counters for Texas, fresh off a dominant seven-inning start, while Adolis Garcia returns and Wyatt Langford re-enters the lineup, giving the Rangers improved pop with Semien and Seager sidelined.

The matchup centers on a former top-draft duel and the breakout potential of Oakland’s youngsters—Kurtz, Wilson, Gelof and Butler—against Leiter’s late-season surge. The series carry fantasy implications: A’s rookies could deliver DFS value, while Texas eyes a playoff push despite lineup gaps. The winner clinches the season series and momentum heading into September.