The A's offense, sparked by Zack Gelof and Miguel Andujar, came alive but it wasn't enough in a 7-6 loss to the Blue Jays on July 12, 2025. Read why.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a classic case of one step forward, two steps back for the Oakland Athletics on Saturday. In a slugfest at Sutter Health Park, the A's offense showed encouraging signs of life, but it wasn't enough to overcome a porous pitching performance, resulting in a heartbreaking 7-6 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. The defeat marks the third straight for Oakland, dropping their season record to a frustrating 39-57 and highlighting the ongoing battle for consistency.
The A's have averaged an impressive 5.3 runs per game over their last 10 contests, but are allowing 4.9 runs over the same span.
If you're looking for a silver lining, look no further than the batter's box. Scoring six runs against a tough Blue Jays squad is no small feat, and much of that energy can be credited to some recently returned faces. Second baseman Zack Gelof, activated from the 60-day IL on July 4, and veteran bat Miguel Andujar, who just returned from his own IL stint on July 9, have provided a desperately needed jolt to the lineup. Their presence makes the offense look deeper and more dangerous than it has in months, offering a glimpse of the team's potential when its core pieces are healthy.
Unfortunately, the offensive fireworks were overshadowed by the all-too-familiar struggles on the mound. Allowing seven runs simply won't get it done, and it underscores the primary issue plaguing the A's this season. While the front office continues to search for answers, recently recalling right-hander Osvaldo Bido from Triple-A on July 10, the team's pitching and defense remain a work in progress. This inconsistency is the main reason the A's find themselves fifth in the AL West, still firmly in the throes of a multi-year rebuild.
The recent roster moves tell the story of a team juggling present needs with future hopes. To make room for Andujar, top outfield prospect Colby Thomas was optioned back to Triple-A Las Vegas. While Thomas showed flashes, the move allows him to get consistent at-bats and continue his development away from the big-league spotlight. Meanwhile, the club continues to build organizational depth, signing pitcher Angel Vizcaino and catcher Jean Peralta to minor league deals. It's a constant shuffle as GM David Forst and manager Mark Kotsay try to find the right formula for today and tomorrow.
Today's loss was a tough pill to swallow, but it wasn't without its bright spots. The return of key offensive pieces has clearly ignited the lineup. The challenge now, as it has been all season, is finding consistency on the other side of the ball. Can the pitching and defense rise to the occasion and support the newfound run production? Breaking this three-game losing streak will depend on it. All eyes are on the mound to see if the A's can finally put a complete game together.
