SACRAMENTO — The Athletics are back home in Sacramento for the final six games of the 2026 season, opening a quick two-game series against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night. It has been a tough year on the field and in the trainer's room, but the final week still carries stakes as the A's and Angels are set to finish fourth and fifth in the AL West, with the last-place finisher also becoming the worst team in the American League.
Tonight is a battle of left-handers with Brady Basso getting the ball for the A's against veteran Yusei Kikuchi for the Halos. Basso has worked mostly as a reliever and opener this season but has been stretched out in recent outings and could provide five innings, which would end his injury-interrupted year on a high. Kikuchi is also finishing an injury-shortened season and has not looked like his old self on the mound, giving the A's a chance to snap their losing streak and gain ground toward fourth place.
Game 2 of the short series is slated for Jeffrey Springs for the A's, likely his final appearance in an Athletics uniform, against breakout rookie Walbert Urena for Los Angeles. The Angels have found a keeper in Urena, who will make his final start of the year and projects as a long-term problem for AL West opponents.
The homestand concludes with four games against Houston, which enters Sacramento a game behind in-state rival Texas in the race for the AL West and will arrive highly motivated. The A's need to go at least 2-4 over the final six games to avoid another 100-loss season, a mark they could secure by sweeping the two against the Angels and stealing one from the Astros. First pitch for the opener is set for 6:40 p.m.