The A's were crushed by the Orioles on Sunday, but could bounce back against a much easier match-up in the Royals on Monday. Sunday's game was a blow-out early, so the A's' best relievers should be available. Oakland will start Blackburn, likely their most dependable and effective starter, with a 1.93 ERA in August. He has delivered a quality start more often than not of late and has been good at home. Royal's reliever Davidson hasn't started this year, so will likely act as the Royals' opener. He has been hit hard as a reliever in August with a .292 OP BSA and a 5.68 ERA. The Royals had been hitting well lately but their hot bats have cooled slightly lately. The A's are just below average on offense in their last 7 games. It is hard to get excited about either team, but blackburn is definitely a step up from a Royals' bullpen day. Oakland should take a lead into the late innings, and their pen is as effective as the Royals. take the A's to win at home.