Elephant Rumblings: A’s win Cactus League opener, Kyle Muller to start Sunday

The Oakland Athletics began the 2023 Cactus League on a good note with a 12-7 win Saturday over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Several of Oakland’s young players turned in good performances in the debut, which is a good thing for a rebuilding club like the Athletics. Tyler Soderstrom, Lawrence Butler, Zack Gelof and Denzel Clarke all recorded hits in the opener and scored four runs. Additionally, Freddy Tarnok allowed a hit and struck out two over two scoreless innings.

The Cactus League schedule will continue again Sunday as Oakland takes on Milwaukee at 12:10 p.m. PST. Left-hander Kyle Muller will make his spring debut Sunday for the A’s.

A’s Coverage

• (Nico): New rules give A’s an opportunity to “Moneyball”
• Freddy Tarnok embraces competition for roster spot
• James Kaprielian nears return to action
• A’s adapt to MLB’s quicker pace in Cactus League opener, still play long game

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• Tony Clark says MLBPA is ‘never going to agree’ to a salary cap
• Red Sox-Braves game ends on automatic strike call
• Cardinals’ Oliver Marmol: Umpire C.B. Bucknor ‘has zero class’
• Fernando Tatis targeting Tuesday for spring debut
• Five pitchers who can bounce back in 2023

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Flashing the “W”

Outfield prospect Lawrence Butler was 1-for-2 with a walk and drove in two runs in Saturday’s win.

Ryan Noda doubled in his Oakland debut

Oakland scored six times in the fifth including a two-run double by Jace Peterson that tied the game.