Red Sox Series Preview: @ Oakland Athletics

May 2, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics designated hitter

(16) bats against the Texas Rangers during the game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers defeated the Athletics 8-7. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Athletics Key Players To Watch:

• After making the move from Kansas City, designated hitter Billy Butler has had a slow start to 2015, hitting .254 as a batting average. However, in his last 7 games, he has hit 6 times for 4 RBIs, to lead the team in that span. The wily veteran’s slugging percentage is fairly low, even in these appearances (.280), but he could be a dangerous man to watch, if the last few days are a sign that he’s heating up.

• Catcher Stephen Vogt leads the team in both batting average (.340) and RBIs (26). With 8 home runs and a .660 slugging percentage, the Red Sox will want to keep the bases clear, to limit the damage that Vogt can do with his lefty bat. He will be facing two righty starting pitchers in this series, which could spell trouble for Boston.

• A familiar face to Red Sox Nation, right fielder Josh Reddick has had a good start to his season, and could spell trouble to his former team. He is hitting .316, with 5 home runs and 22 RBIs, so far. Those are the kind of numbers that Boston would have loved to see from their right fielder, if they had an everyday fielder in that location who could stay healthy or consistent. Reddick is also a lefty bat, spelling even more trouble for the Red Sox righty pitchers, considering he has hit .478 at home and .342 against right-handed pitching.