The Los Angeles Dodgers hit the road Wednesday, July 1, making the trip up to Sacramento for a 9:40 PM ET first pitch against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. With the Dodgers' starting pitcher not yet announced, all eyes shift to Oakland's side of the ledger, where right-hander J.T. Ginn gets the ball for the A's. This is a mid-week interleague matchup with real implications — every game at this stage of the season is a chance to tighten the rotation, sharpen the lineup, and build momentum heading deeper into the summer.

Pitching Matchup: J.T. Ginn Starts for Athletics, Dodgers TBA

The biggest question mark heading into Wednesday night is who Dave Roberts sends to the mound for Los Angeles. The Dodgers have not yet named a starter, which opens the door for a bullpen game or a last-minute rotation decision. Either way, the pitching staff will need to be sharp against an Athletics lineup that, while still developing, has shown flashes of real danger at the plate.

For Oakland, J.T. Ginn draws the assignment. The 24-year-old right-hander is a former second-round pick with a live arm and a developing pitch mix that includes a mid-90s fastball and a sharp breaking ball. Ginn has been working to establish consistency in his delivery and command, and a home start in front of Sacramento's passionate crowd gives him a comfortable setting to work. The Dodgers will need to be patient at the plate and work counts early — let Ginn beat himself if he's going to.

Athletics Lineup to Watch

The A's are sending out a lineup worth respecting. Shea Langeliers leads off as the designated hitter, giving Oakland's offense a proven bat to set the table. Nick Kurtz slots in at first base batting second — the 2024 first-overall pick continues to be one of the most closely watched young hitters in the American League, and his development has been impressive. Jonah Heim bats cleanup behind Colby Thomas, giving the middle of the order some legitimate thump. Lawrence Butler in right field and Henry Bolte in center round out an athletic outfield that can cover ground and create problems on the basepaths. Jeff McNeil brings veteran contact skills to the eight-hole, and Alika Williams anchors the nine spot at shortstop.

Keys to the Game for Los Angeles

• Identify a starter or commit to a bullpen game early — uncertainty on the mound can disrupt rhythm and pitch planning for the whole staff.
• Work Ginn's pitch count in the early innings. If the Dodgers can get into Oakland's bullpen by the fifth or sixth, the advantage shifts to Los Angeles.
• Keep Nick Kurtz in check. The young first baseman has the power and bat speed to do real damage, and the Dodgers cannot afford to let him beat them with a big extra-base hit.
• Take advantage of any defensive miscues. Sutter Health Park can play unpredictably, and Sacramento's ballpark favors teams that put the ball in play and run the bases aggressively.

Prediction

This is a winnable game for the Dodgers, even with the pitching question mark hanging over the lineup card. The offense should have enough firepower to solve Ginn if they stay disciplined and make him throw strikes. Give the edge to Los Angeles, 5-3, in what should be a competitive mid-week road contest. Catch it on SportsNet LA or tune in on Dodgers Radio AM570.