Ross Stripling and Athletics set to take on Angels in final Arizona matchup

The Oakland Athletics will take on the Los Angeles Angels this afternoon in the A's final spring training matchup in Arizona. The Athletics will have tomorrow off and will travel back to Oakland for a two game set against the Giants on Monday and Tuesday.

Right hander Ross Stripling is set to take the mound this afternoon in what will be his last outing before the regular season gets underway.

Stripling has posted an underwhelming 9.39 ERA in his previous four starts. His first outing went well but since that three inning stint against the Rangers back on March 3, he's given up 17 runs on 25 hits in 12.1 innings.

The Athletics paid Stripling to come in and provide innings at the major league level. Nobody expected All-Star level performance but that's an extremely rough stretch for a pitcher with a career 3.96 ERA in over 760 innings.

Stripling just turned 34 and despite him posting a 5.21 FIP for the Giants in 2023, it's unlikely that his career is coming to a close. He's been good enough over the last few years to suggest that he'll be able to get back on track in Oakland this year.

The A's need that to happen sooner than later, especially with the bevy of injuries the team is currently dealing with. Stripling will look to regain his footing against a struggling Angels offense.

Outside of outfielder Mike Trout, the Angels don't have much in the way of star power now that Shohei Ohtani is gone. Trout isn't expected to play this afternoon so we'll see if Stripling can take advantage.

JD Davis will get the start at DH today. Davis has cooled off after his first appearance with the A's, but this will be just his fifth start with Oakland during the spring. He's expected to be a significant part of the A's offense in 2024.

Darell Hernaiz will get the start at third base, while Nick Allen starts at shortstop. Signs are now pointing to Allen winning the Opening Day job given their comparative performances.

The Angels will send Matt Moore to the mound this afternoon. Moore is primarily a reliever and won't be expected to go deep into the game. He has a 1.42 ERA this spring and will likely work in a setup role in LA behind closer Carlos Estevez.

That might change when free agent signing Robert Stephenson returns from injury but to start the year, Moore will likely be in the mix for some saves if those opportunities arise. First pitch is scheduled for 12:05 pm PST today.