HOUSTON — A’s third baseman Matt Chapman has made it almost a daily ritual to chug a can of Red Bull, often with other teammates joining, in the dugout just minutes before game time. It provides a nice jolt of energy. But there will be no extra caffeine needed for this series.
When the A’s begin their three-game set with the Astros at Minute Maid Park Monday night, it’ll be more than just two American League West rivals going at it. There’s a potential prize at the end of it — first place in the division.
Of course it won’t be easy for the A’s (79-52) as they enter the night 1 1/2 games back of Houston.