OAKLAND — The A's will get a big boost in their lineup Saturday night as reigning MLB home run champion Khris Davis returns from a left hip/oblique contusion. Oakland reinstated Davis from the 10-day injured list earlier Saturday and optioned outfielder Skye Bolt to Triple-A Las Vegas.
"He's one of the better power hitters in the game, so it's nice to get him back," A's manager Bob Melvin said of Davis. "From a mental standpoint for the team as well, it's a big pick-me-up, so it's nice to have him back."
Davis will serve as the A's designated hitter and hit in the cleanup spot as Oakland faces Justin Verlander and the Houston Astros. Davis has had tremendous success against Verlander throughout his career, going 6-for-11 with four home runs and a double.
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Matt Chapman moves up to the two spot and Matt Olson will bat third. Robbie Grossman drops to the six hole and Mark Canha comes out of the starting lineup.
The A's will counter Verlander with veteran left-hander Brett Anderson. The 31-year-old enters the game with a 6-3 record and a 3.86 ERA. He faces a Houston lineup still missing All-Stars José Altuve, Carlos Correa, and George Springer.
Here are the full lineups for the A's-Astros game, which will be broadcast on NBC Sports California and the MyTeams app. Coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. PT, with first pitch at 7:07.
Houston Astros (38-20)
Myles Straw, LF
Alex Bregman, 3B
Michael Brantley, DH
Yuli Gurriel, 1B
Josh Reddick, RF
Robinson Chirinos, C
Jack Mayfield, SS
Tony Kemp, 2B
Jake Marisnick, CF
Oakland Athletics
Justin Verlander, RHP (8-2, 2.38 ERA)
Oakland A's (29-28)
Marcus Semien, SS
Matt Chapman, 3B
Matt Olson, 1B
Khris Davis, DH
Stephen Piscotty, RF
Robbie Grossman, LF
Jurickson Profar, 2B
Ramón Laureano, CF
Josh Phegley, C
Brett Anderson, LHP (6-3, 3.86 ERA)