Melvin Hoping Day Off Will Help Team Regroup Against Reds
(AP) -- While the Oakland Athletics have stumbled of late, manager Bob Melvin is hoping a much-needed day off will help them regroup.
The Athletics try to avoid losing three straight for the first time in six weeks Tuesday night when they open a two-game set against the visiting Cincinnati Reds.
After compiling a 2.53 ERA in winning 21 of 26, Oakland (44-34) has recorded a 5.00 ERA while dropping seven of 10. The A's saw their woes continue Sunday in the finale of a 2-5 road trip, losing 6-3 in 10 innings to Seattle after closer Grant Balfour gave up a game-ending three-run homer.
