The Sacramento Athletics return to Sutter Health Park on Monday, August 24, to host the Minnesota Twins in a 9:40 p.m. ET first pitch. Jeffrey Springs gets the ball for Sacramento against Minnesota's Zebby Matthews in what shapes up as a compelling pitching matchup between two arms still working to establish themselves this season. With the A's playing in front of their home crowd, this is exactly the kind of game the lineup needs to capitalize on.

Probable Starters: Jeffrey Springs vs. Zebby Matthews

Springs takes the mound for Sacramento in what figures to be a pivotal outing. The left-hander has the stuff to keep Minnesota's lineup off-balance, and the Athletics will need him to eat innings and limit damage against a Twins offense that can put up runs in bunches when healthy. On the other side, Zebby Matthews is a young arm Minnesota has been developing, and Sacramento's lineup will be looking for any early tendencies to exploit.

This is a game where first-inning execution matters. If Springs can work through the top of Minnesota's order — Luke Keaschall, Byron Buxton, and Ryan Jeffers — without giving up crooked numbers early, Sacramento has the offensive depth to make Matthews work deep into counts and grind out at-bats.

Sacramento Athletics Starting Lineup

• Henry Bolte, CF
• Jeff McNeil, 1B
• Zack Gelof, 2B
• Lawrence Butler, RF
• Tommy White, 3B
• Donovan Walton, SS
• Max Muncy, LF
• Carlos Cortes, DH
• Jonah Heim, C

Minnesota Twins Starting Lineup

• Luke Keaschall, RF
• Byron Buxton, CF
• Ryan Jeffers, C
• Josh Bell, DH
• Kody Clemens, LF
• Royce Lewis, 1B
• Kaelen Culpepper, SS
• Brooks Lee, 3B
• Ryan Kreidler, 2B

Keys to Watch

• Butler in the cleanup spot: Lawrence Butler hitting fourth is Sacramento's clearest power threat. If Gelof gets on base ahead of him, Butler has the ability to change the game with one swing.
• Buxton at the top of Minnesota's order: Byron Buxton is a threat every time he reaches base. Springs will need to be sharp against him and take nothing for granted in the second spot.
• Heim behind the dish: Jonah Heim calling the game for Springs is a pairing worth watching. How Springs is set up to attack Minnesota's middle of the order — particularly Josh Bell and Royce Lewis — will go a long way toward determining the outcome.
• Sutter Health Park crowd factor: Sacramento is at home, and that matters. The A's play with energy in front of their own fans, and a packed house Monday night can be a genuine difference-maker in close games.

Prediction

This one hinges on Springs. If he's on — commanding the strike zone and keeping Buxton and Jeffers from getting comfortable — Sacramento has enough in this lineup to push across three or four runs against a Matthews who will still be feeling out a big-league environment. The home crowd at Sutter Health Park and a favorable middle-of-the-order matchup gives the A's the edge. Sacramento wins, 4-2.