The Sacramento Athletics wrap up their home slate at Sutter Health Park on Sunday, September 27, when they welcome the Houston Astros for a 3:05 p.m. ET first pitch. Seth Johnson gets the ball for the A's against Houston's Peter Lambert in a late-season matchup that gives Sacramento's young core one more opportunity to make a statement in front of the home crowd before the regular season closes out.

Probable Pitchers: Seth Johnson vs. Peter Lambert

Seth Johnson draws the start for the Athletics in what figures to be an important audition for the right-hander heading into the offseason. Johnson has been part of a pitching staff that has leaned heavily on its younger arms throughout this season, and Sunday represents a chance to finish the home run on a high note.

Peter Lambert gets the nod for Houston. Lambert has bounced between roles during his big-league career and will look to give the Astros a solid outing as they close out their own regular season calendar. Neither starter comes in with verified ERA or win-loss figures available, so the results on the mound will do the talking Sunday afternoon.

Sacramento Athletics Starting Lineup

• 1. Henry Bolte, CF
• 2. Lawrence Butler, RF
• 3. Shea Langeliers, DH
• 4. Zack Gelof, 3B
• 5. Jeff McNeil, 1B
• 6. Donovan Walton, 2B
• 7. Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, SS
• 8. Carlos Cortes, LF
• 9. Brian Serven, C

Keys to Watch for the Athletics

Bolte and Butler Setting the Table

Henry Bolte leading off in center field followed by Lawrence Butler in right gives the Athletics an athletic, energetic top of the order. How those two perform against Lambert early will set the tone. If they can get on base consistently and manufacture pressure, the middle of the lineup — Langeliers, Gelof, and McNeil — has the ability to do damage.

Zack Gelof in the Cleanup Spot

Gelof batting fourth is the kind of responsibility that reflects where the Athletics see him in their future plans. His performance at third base and in the heart of the order Sunday will be worth watching closely as the season winds down.

Johnson's Command on the Mound

Against a Houston lineup that historically makes pitchers work deep counts, Johnson will need to establish his fastball early and limit free passes. The Astros are disciplined hitters, and walks will come back to haunt Sacramento's defense in a hurry.

Jeff McNeil at First Base

The veteran McNeil sliding into the five-hole at first base adds some experience to what is otherwise a young Sacramento lineup. His ability to put the bat on the ball and stay out of double plays could prove critical in tight spots.

Prediction

This is a game without postseason stakes attached, but there is still something to play for — finishing the home schedule with a win, giving Johnson a confidence-building outing, and sending the Sutter Health Park crowd home happy one last time this year. The Athletics have the lineup depth to put together a productive afternoon against Lambert, and if Johnson can give them five or six quality innings, Sacramento has enough in the tank to win this one. Athletics 5, Astros 3.

Coverage begins at 3:05 p.m. ET on NBCSCA and Talk 650 KSTE, with Spanish-language broadcasts available on KVMX 92.1/105.5.