The A's are riding high, emerging from the first half as perhaps the sweetest surprise story in baseball and set to return from the break as a legitimate contender.
Nevermind that they've been forced to use 12 different starting pitchers on account of an injury bug. After putting together an MLB-best 21-6 record to finish out the first half, the A's are within just three games of the second American League Wild Card spot much thanks to a deep lineup and blistering backend of the bullpen.
Leading the way: All-Stars Jed Lowrie and Blake Treinen, who gathered with their peers in Washington, D.