The Oakland A's face the Washington Nationals on Aug 6, 2025. Can Luis Severino and a hot JJ Bleday help the A's powerful offense end their slump? Find out.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The Oakland Athletics might be carrying a two-game losing streak into the nation's capital, but don't let that fool you. This team is wielding some of the biggest bats in baseball, and they have a prime opportunity to unleash that power tonight against a Washington Nationals club mired in a five-game slide. It's a classic test for Oakland, and for A's fans, it's a must-watch game to see if the offense can get back on track.
JJ Bleday has been a man on fire, highlighted by his perfect 4-for-4 performance with a home run and three runs scored in his last outing.
All eyes will be on starter Luis Severino as he takes the mound at Nationals Park. Sporting a 4.83 ERA, Sevy is looking to bounce back from a recent loss and provide the steady presence the A's need to halt their skid. Despite the team's 49-65 record, they've shown flashes of brilliance, winning 7 of their last 10 before this brief downturn. Facing a Nationals team that has struggled mightily presents a golden opportunity for Severino to pitch with a lead and for the A's to build some positive momentum.
The story of the 2025 Athletics is written with home run trots and extra-base hits. This lineup is no joke, ranking 5th in all of MLB with a .427 slugging percentage and 6th with a whopping 153 home runs. The thunder comes primarily from the middle of the order, with sluggers Nick Kurtz and Brent Rooker consistently providing the pop. But lately, the spark has been JJ Bleday. His recent 4-for-4 game was a masterclass in hitting and a sign that he's becoming a crucial piece of this offensive puzzle. His hot streak provides another dangerous bat that opposing pitchers have to navigate.
With the trade deadline in the rearview mirror, the A's roster has settled. No new moves were reported today, as the front office stands pat with the current group. The big shakeup was the deadline deal that sent Mason Miller and JP Sears away for a haul of promising prospects like Leo De Vries. While the big league club focuses on finishing the season strong, the next wave of talent, including players like Denzel Clarke and Colby Thomas in Triple-A Las Vegas, continues to develop, waiting for their shot.
Tonight’s game is more than just another August contest; it’s a chance for the A's to reassert their identity as a power-hitting force and get back in the win column. A strong start from Severino combined with the offense's proven ability to mash could be the perfect recipe to send the Nationals to their sixth straight loss and give A's fans something to cheer about. Let's see if the bats come alive under the D.C. lights.
