Jays and A’s Mix Up the Pitching in Sacramento Showdown

MLB Jays and A’s Mix Up the Pitching in Sacramento Showdown

By Ben Gale

September 9, 2026 • 3:04 PM EDT

Updated 6 seconds ago

Jays and A’s Mix Up the Pitching in Sacramento Showdown

The Blue Jays and Athletics meet for the third game of their series in Sacramento, and if you’re eyeing the betting angles, buckle up—this one’s shaping up as a bullpen chess match. With both teams planning to go with a bullpen day, we’re not getting your classic ace-versus-ace setup. Instead, it’s Braydon Fisher opening for the Jays, Brady Basso taking the first frame for the A’s, and then things likely get interesting from there.

What stands out here is the reliance on bulk guys. The A’s look set to hand Joey Estes the lion’s share of the innings. Sure, Estes is in the author’s OOTP rotation and earned some praise, but in real-world action for the A’s, he’s only pitched once, giving up four earned runs in 4.1 innings. That’s not dominant stuff, and it should have you questioning if Oakland can really lock things down mid-game. On the other side, Michael Lorenzen is the probable bulk option for the Jays. Lorenzen has logged six innings with Toronto and given up just four hits, but his previous numbers (7.08 ERA in 26 appearances, mostly starts) don’t exactly inspire confidence. For bettors, this game looks wide open, and runs could come in bunches if either bulk guy sputters.

Per Yahoo Sports, George Springer is “a little banged up” and will likely be limited to pinch-hit duties. Don’t be surprised if he sits entirely—if you can’t DH, are you really going to be a viable bat off the bench? That tips the batting depth slightly in favor of the A’s, especially if the Jays need a late big swing and he’s unavailable or not 100 percent.

Here’s a look at today’s lineups, which reveal both clubs are mixing up their usual batting orders to accommodate the spot starter setup:

Brett Bateman leads off in right for the Jays, with Charles McAdoo in left, and Vladimir Guerrero manning first base.
Henry Bolte opens for the A’s in center, followed by Lawrence Butler in right and Zack Gelof at third.
The Jays’ DH spot goes to Alejandro Kirk, while Oakland’s bulk arms will have to contend with the likes of Guerrero and Okamoto near the top of Toronto’s order.

Key Developments

Both teams opt for a bullpen day, raising volatility for live bettors.
Joey Estes and Michael Lorenzen are poised as bulk pitchers, but both have shaky recent stats.
George Springer’s injury knocks a bat out of Toronto’s starting lineup and impacts late-game options.
Lineups show managers looking for any edge, with new combinations getting a chance to prove themselves.
This is game 147 of the season—a critical time for both clubs’ playoff narratives.

Bullpen Battle Could Decide the Outcome

One thing I’d keep an eye on is how quickly managers pull the plug if things spiral. Neither Estes nor Lorenzen inspires enough trust to weather a meltdown. If the over is anywhere under what you’ve come to expect for a bullpen-dominated MLB clash, I’d sniff at it—especially with series fatigue creeping in and bench bats taking on a bigger role.

Lineups Add Uncertainty

The Athletics have their depth guys in, and while that’s a gamble, it could pay off if the Jays’ pitching falters. Toronto, for their part, are without George Springer, which guts the middle of their lineup. Alejandro Kirk at DH is interesting—he’s a high-contact bat, but won’t stretch the field the way Springer can. It all points to a game where flexibility and in-game adjustments could make or break bets on either side.

Key Takeaways

Both teams are all-in on a bullpen-led approach, making for increased unpredictability.
Michael Lorenzen and Joey Estes have something to prove but enter with question marks.
George Springer’s absence dampens Toronto’s offensive options.
Lineup shifts provide new opportunities but also risks, especially later in the game.
Live in-game betting could be lucrative with rapid pitching changes on deck.
With game 147, every win and loss carries playoff significance.
Expect runs if either team’s bulk arm stumbles early.
Hard to lean on either moneyline with so many moving pieces—consider watching for early bullpen trouble before jumping on a side.

More coverage: more MLB headlines, MLB betting hub and today’s MLB picks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Braydon Fisher opens for the Blue Jays while Brady Basso starts for the Athletics. Joey Estes (A’s) and Michael Lorenzen (Jays) are expected to be the bulk relievers.

Springer is reportedly ‘a little banged up’ and will not start. He may be available to pinch hit, but there’s doubt he will actually be used.

The game takes place in Sacramento at Sutter Health Park. No official start time is listed in the provided information.

With both teams relying on multiple pitchers early, volatility is high. This could favour in-game bets, especially if either side’s bullpen struggles.

With Springer out, the Jays’ order is shuffled. Both teams’ managers have mixed up their lineups to adjust for the bullpen day.

Depth players on both teams have an opportunity to step up. The A’s may have a slight advantage with Toronto missing Springer.

It’s game 147 of the season, so every win matters as teams jockey for playoff spots and look to finish strong.