Jack Flaherty (leg) likely to start Sunday vs. Astros

Despite his usual heroics, Ohtani is on a bit of a cold streak on the mound – relative to his own greatness of course. This is now three consecutive starts where he’s allowed at least three earned runs after not doing so a single time before this stretch. Three runs, the horror. He also had some tense moments with catcher Dalton Rushing including a miscommunication regarding an ABS challenge and stern mound visit thereafter. Still, he forced 20 total swings-and-misses with 13 coming on his sweeper alone as his velocity was up about three ticks across the board. He threw 16 fastballs that reached 100 mph and topped out at 102. On top of that, he was in the middle of a Dodgers’ rally in the third inning with an RBI knock and came around to score shortly thereafter. He also had three hard-hit balls including a 111 mph lineout. Even in the games where it feels clunky he’s still so ridiculously impactful.

Scott was able to work around a lead-off single by Austin Martin in a one run game to secure the save. That was his fifth consecutive converted save over the past two weeks and he’s cruising as the Dodgers’ closer with a 2.18 ERA on the season. Expect elite production out of him until Edwin Díaz eventually returns.

Finally, Betts has shown genuine signs of life. He got the scoring started in this one with a second inning home run off Joe Ryan and both of his hits had at least a 101 mph exit velocity. This was his second straight game with multiple hits and he has a .317/.358/.524 slash line over his last 15 games as he desperately tries to get himself back on track ahead of the midway point this season.

Lee was a pest this game. First, he ignited a rally in the third with a single that helped spur a three-run inning against Shohei Ohtani. Then, he continued to find his way on base and was stranded twice in scoring position with the Twins trailing by just one run. Regardless, he’s maintained near league average production all season while splitting time at shortstop and third base.

One bad inning sunk Ryan here. The Dodgers scored three runs in the third on four hits, one walk, and a sacrifice fly. It took Ryan 27 pitches to get through that frame and just 71 in total for his other five innings. His fastball was excellent up in the zone and it forced 11 of his 17 total whiffs in what was an admirable start against this strong lineup. Overall, he has a 3.18 ERA, 108 strikeouts, and 19 walks over 93 1/3 innings as one of the most effective starters in the league. He’s scheduled to face the Astros in Houston next time out.

The A’s were up 1-0 before Rafael Devers homered to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth. Bericoto ended things three batters later with his second homer in 22 plate appearances since being called up on May 22. Bericoto has strictly played against lefties since joining the Giants, but the homer tonight came off against a righty in Elvis Alvarado. It doesn’t figure to lead to a big boost in playing time, and he still might be sent down once Heliot Ramos comes off the IL. He was the hero tonight, though.

Mahle allowed two hits, walked two and struck out four in one of his best efforts of the year, He exited a scoreless game in the sixth, so he remains 1-7 with a 5.49 ERA after 12 starts. He’s due to pitch in Arizona and Colorado next week, which probably won’t be great for his ERA.

It might seem like the A’s have a quality offense this year, but it’s largely a product of their Triple-A ballpark; they came into tonight hitting .266/.351/.462 with 216 runs scored at home and .229/304/.367 with 149 runs scored on the road. Jump would appear to be legit with his 96-mph fastball and plus slider, but with no support in San Francisco tonight, he remained 3-1 with a 2.04 ERA through six starts. He’ll pitch at home against the Dodgers next week. making him a weak play in shallow leagues.

After coming into a 1-0 game, Alvarado gave up homers to Rafael Devers and Victor Bericoto in the ninth. It’s his first blown save and third loss. The other biggest threat for saves in the A’s pen, Hogan Harris, worked a scoreless seventh tonight, so he’s looking a little better at the moment. Still, no A’s reliever seems particularly trustworthy in shallow leagues.

It’s a great day at the park when you never make an out. Contreras made the first punch in this game with a two-run homer off Reds’ starter Rhett Lowder in the second inning and reached base four other times in total. While it’s been a disappointing season for him power-wise with just eight home runs, he’s hitting .302 as still one of the most productive catchers in the league.