The A’s came into Friday night as the hottest team in baseball, but the Rangers reminded everyone that momentum only matters until someone crushes a hanging pitch. Jonah Heim and rookie Michael Helman each went deep, backing up a sharp outing from Jack Leiter, who struck out seven over six innings in the Rangers’ 5-2 win. The A’s had their moment in the third when Brent Rooker’s clutch double tied the game, but the offense stalled after that—made worse when rookie Nick Kurtz left with oblique soreness after scoring the tying run. That moment flipped the script, and the Rangers capitalized. 

The A’s still own the buzz around the league, but now the focus turns to Saturday’s matchup when Mason Barnett makes his long-awaited MLB debut against Merrill Kelly. Can Barnett step up on the big stage and give the A’s a spark, or will the Rangers keep clawing toward the AL Wild Card race? We’re breaking down the loss, the key injury news, and everything you need to know heading into Barnett’s debut in today’s episode of Locked On A’s. 

A’s vs Rangers highlights, Athletics game recap, Jack Leiter Rangers, Jonah Heim home run, Michael Helman home run, Brent Rooker A’s, Nick Kurtz injury update, Mason Barnett debut, A’s live podcast, Locked On A’s, Rangers vs A’s August 29 2025, A’s Sacramento game 

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