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Spring Training Game #2: Colorado Rockies at Oakland Athletics

By @CaseyWitt_ on Mar 4, 2016, 10:41am PST 205

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Good afternoon, everyone!

Welcome back for another installment of Oakland Athletics baseball!

After yesterday's forgettable loss against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, A's top-pitching prospect Sean Manaea will look to get his ball club in the winning column -- as they take on Shane Carle and the Colorado Rockies at HohoKam Park in Mesa, Arizona at 12:05 PM PT

About 20 minutes down the road in Scottsdale, Felix Doubront will toe the rubber -- opposing the $206.5 million man, Zack Greinke and the Arizona Diamondbacks in today's split-squad action, at 12:10 PM PT

You can catch the A's and Rockies game by listening along with radio broadcaster Donny Baarns -- for free at athletics.com. For the time being, the split-squad game in Arizona can be accessed through Gameday.

Without further ado, here are both starting lineups for your 2016 Oakland Athletics:

Hot off the Press:

    Non-roster invitee Eric Surkamp took the mound for the A's on Thursday, and despite the fact that he surrendered three straight singles to the Halos -- the south paw was more than satisfied with his performance after escaping a bases-loaded jam. According to Slusser, the chances of the 28-year-old cracking the Opening Day roster remain unlikely, however, an injury to the starting staff or bullpen -- could warrant himself a spot with the green and gold.

    Slusser adds that the A's have no intention of rushing set-up man John Axford, along with starting pitchers Sonny Gray and Jarrod Parker into Cactus League action. Destined for a heavy workload this season; Axford and Gray will throw a simulated game today, with Gray going three innings and Axford, one.

    Parker threw a successful 35-pitch bullpen session, yesterday, while incorporating his change-up. At this point, the sky's the limit for the right-hander -- who is battling back from his second Tommy John surgery and most recently, a fractured elbow.

    Newly-acquired outfielders Chris Coghlan and Khris Davis, shared their thoughts about adjusting to American League pitching.

    With several additions to a revamped A's bullpen, Oakland skipper Bob Melvin had nothing but kind words for relief pitcher Ryan Dull when addressed by the media. Stiglich notes that one bullpen spot is likely up for grabs -- with Doubront and R.J. Alvarez in the mix as well.

    Melvin sees Reddick as potential No. 3 hitter | Joe Stiglich | CSN California

    Josh Reddick could be the A's number three hitter against right-handed pitchers, and slotted in the lower portion of the batting order against lefties. Melvin envisions Davis in the 3-6 spots; with a combination of Coghlan and Stephen Vogt -- to balance out the lineup.
    Stiglich adds that the A's starting rotation could feature Sonny Gray, Rich Hill, Kendall Graveman, Jesse Hahn and Chris Bassitt, but not necessarily in that particular order.
    Last-minute Information:
  • Rockies starting pitcher Chris Rusin was slated to take the mound against the A's this afternoon, but has been scratched -- due to inflammation of his finger on his left hand.
  • Stiglich tweets that catchers Stephen Vogt and Josh Phegley will not be starting in today's split-squad contests, but will nonetheless get at-bats coming off the bench in the designated-hitter role.
  • Jason Burke, contributor to scout.com, predicts where the A's will finish in the AL West and how it impacts the division all together.
  • Today is National Grammar Day! So, if you notice any mistakes in the pregame thread or game recap later on, lets just... forget about it!

Sonny Gray Update:

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