The Sacramento Athletics return home to Sutter Health Park on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, for a 9:40 PM ET first pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays. Jack Perkins gets the ball for the A's against Toronto's José Soriano in what shapes up as a pitching matchup worth watching late in the regular season. With September baseball carrying real weight in the standings, every home game at Sutter Health Park matters, and this one is no exception.

Probable Starters: Jack Perkins vs. José Soriano

Jack Perkins draws the start for Sacramento, taking on a Toronto lineup that will be looking to play spoiler deep into the regular season schedule. Perkins has been part of the A's rotation picture this year, and Tuesday's assignment at home gives him a familiar environment to work with.

On the other side, the Blue Jays send José Soriano to the mound. Soriano is tasked with quieting a Sacramento lineup that has some legitimate offensive pieces up and down the order.

Sacramento Athletics Starting Lineup

• 1. Henry Bolte — CF
• 2. Jeff McNeil — 1B
• 3. Zack Gelof — 3B
• 4. Lawrence Butler — RF
• 5. Carlos Cortes — LF
• 6. Tommy White — DH
• 7. Donovan Walton — 2B
• 8. Alika Williams — SS
• 9. Jonah Heim — C

Keys to Watch in Tuesday's Matchup

Lawrence Butler in the Middle of the Order

Butler slots into the cleanup spot for Sacramento, a significant responsibility. His production out of the four hole will go a long way toward determining whether the A's offense can put crooked numbers on the board against Soriano. If Zack Gelof gets on base in front of him — which Gelof has the tools to do — Butler becomes the central figure in Sacramento's attack.

Gelof and McNeil Setting the Table

The two through three spots feature Jeff McNeil and Zack Gelof, and that combination gives the A's a credible top-of-the-order presence. McNeil hitting second after Henry Bolte sets up a lineup that wants to manufacture opportunities before Butler gets his hacks.

Perkins Keeping Toronto Honest

The Blue Jays are not a team Sacramento can afford to let run wild. Perkins needs to work efficiently and trust his stuff at Sutter Health Park. A short outing from the starter puts pressure on the bullpen late in the season when arms are stretched. Length matters Tuesday night.

Jonah Heim Controlling the Game

With Heim behind the plate, the battery communication and pitch-calling become a quiet variable. Catching is often invisible until it isn't — and a catcher who keeps Perkins locked in through five or six innings is doing his job the right way.

Prediction

This is a home game the Athletics need to take seriously. Sutter Health Park should provide the energy, and a Sacramento lineup with Butler, Gelof, and McNeil in the heart of the order has the capability to do damage against any starter. Give the edge to the A's at home — Sacramento 4, Toronto 2 — with Perkins delivering a quality start and the lineup doing just enough against Soriano in the middle innings.

Catch the game on NBCSCA locally or tune into Talk 650 KSTE on the radio. Spanish-language coverage is available on KVMX 92.1/105.5. First pitch is set for 9:40 PM ET.