:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67132313/1262448167.jpg.0.jpg)
Good morning, Athletics Nation!
The Oakland A’s had a tough couple days against the Colorado Rockies this week, getting humbled in a two-game sweep after their encouraging opening series against the Los Angeles Angels. The A’s finished their first homestand of the season with a 3-3 record.
The two games against the Rockies were frustrating, with Oakland’s bats going silent and missing many golden opportunities — combined they went 0-for-14 with runners in scoring position. But there’s still news to get excited about as the team travels to Seattle for four dates against the Mariners: Jesus Luzardo is coming. To the rotation, that is.
The rookie lefty made his second appearance of the season in Wednesday’s loss, throwing 3⅔ innings. He gave up a couple extra runs on his own defensive error, but his pitching once again looked good, as he racked up five strikeouts and induced an enormous 16 swinging strikes among his 67 total pitches. But as strong as his performance was, the key number was that pitch count, as he works his way back toward the starting rotation.
Will Luzardo start his next time out? Manager Bob Melvin was clear during the post-game press conference:
“Yes, that’s why we pushed him to the number that we did.”
Melvin didn’t rule out the Seattle series for Luzardo. The A’s play the Mariners from Friday through Monday, and normal starters’ rest would put the 22-year-old national Top 10 prospect on turn for that series finale. Whatever specific day it might happen, though, the point is that Luzardo is now ready to join the rotation for the first time in his career, and the next time we see him pitch will be in the 1st inning as a starter.
A’s Coverage:
- Davidoff: This is finally the World Series year for Billy Beane’s Athletics
- Kawahara: A’s lack timely hits in loss to Rockies; Jesús Luzardo set to rejoin rotation ($)
- Hickey: Luzardo Likely in Seattle, but There’s Nothing He can do About Athletics’ Bats
- Hickey: Push for Perfection may be Working Against Athletics’ Struggling Piscotty
- Slusser: Day off for slumping Khris Davis; he’s ‘fighting ... just missing,’ says A’s hitting coach ($)
- Slusser: After giving A’s big boost last year, Seth Brown riding bench to start season ($)
- Byrne: Predict The AL West Division Winner (check out the poll!)
- Hall: Game #6: A’s again can’t find clutch hit, lose 5-1 to Rockies in sweep
MLB News, & Interest
- Stephen: Joe Kelly suspended 8 games, Dave Roberts 1 game for throwing at Alex Bregman’s head
- Harris: Joe Kelly made 2020 a little better last night
- Gurnick: LA wins in 13 on MLB’s first leadoff 2-run HR
- Passan: MLB requiring teams to add coronavirus protocol compliance officers
- Drellich: MLB, Manfred can punish players who steal signs electronically, per new rules ($$$)
- Todd: Jose Reyes Announces Official Retirement
- MLB: Cubs turn triple play ... or did they?
- Camerato: Scherzer K’s Vlad and Vlad Jr. 10 years apart
- Today in Baseball History
Yesterday Game Highlights
Wednesday: Loss! But here’s a dinger at least.
Chappy with a missile for the first run of the game pic.twitter.com/rNh13LjkWN
— A's on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) July 29, 2020
Also, check out this controversial call (that’s a polite euphemism for incorrect)
You be the ump. Out or safe?
— A's on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) July 29, 2020
Out call was held up after review. pic.twitter.com/ENvwTRSABx
Best of A’s Twitter
Luzardo is coming
Bob Melvin on whether Jesus Luzardo will start his next time out: "Yes, that’s why we pushed him to the number that we did." (67 pitches today) Melvin doesn't rule out the upcoming Mariners series for Luzardo -- they're playing in Seattle thru Monday. #Athletics
— Athletics Nation (@athleticsnation) July 29, 2020
Optimism?
#Athletics batting coach Darren Bush does not seem to believe Khris Davis (0-15) is that far away. “His mechanics, his early work, his extra work, his BPs, everything is good. Usually when you're just off like this, it's just a timing issue, where you just need more at-bats.”
— John Hickey (@JHickey3) July 29, 2020
Can you dig it?
Sounds as if the A’s will see old friend Kendall Graveman on Sunday in Seattle.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) July 29, 2020
Best of MLB Twitter
Yikes
Another Marlins player has tested positive for COVID-19, sources tell The Athletic. Only positive result in most recent tests. Brings team total to 16 players and two coaches.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 29, 2020
This is one reason the off-site alternate camps are off-site
All Miami Marlins players at their alternate camp site in Jupiter, Florida tested Negative today for COVID-19. These players are currently eligible to play for the club when they resume next week.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) July 29, 2020
Two tweets here. Top one I don’t mind at all. Bottom one, I don’t like it but understand it and wouldn’t complain.
The 30-man roster currently is in effect for first 2 weeks of the season. The proposed changes, if enacted, would be in place for the 2020 season. Right now, the 2 matters are only under discussion. No firm decisions made by the union or MLB. https://t.co/iDyr6VLMwP
— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) July 29, 2020
Astros suddenly scrambling for pitching
Orioles announce they’ve traded RHP Héctor Velázquez to the Houston Astros in exchange for a Player To Be Named Later. Velazquez, 31, was taken off 40-man and removed from the 60-man player pool but had remained in the org. Astros need some relief help. Elias knows Astros system.
— Dan Connolly (@danconnolly2016) July 29, 2020
What a twist!
BREAKING NEWS: Nick Markakis is rejoining the #Braves, having changed his mind since opting out of the season just over three weeks ago. Veteran outfielder is being reinstated from the restricted list.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) July 29, 2020
Bad news for a former Athletic
Sox make it official and DFA Jonathan Lucroy. righthander Chris Mazza recalled from alternate site. Pitching depth, obviously, is an issue for the Sox.
— Julian McWilliams (@byJulianMack) July 29, 2020
