Elephant Rumblings: Ken Waldichuk starting to turn the corner

It has been a tough season for Oakland Athletics rookie left-hander Ken Waldichuk, but he is starting to show signs of turning the corner. Waldichuk held a good Orioles offense in check for the most part Saturday allowing four hits, three walks and two runs over 5 2/3 innings. He struck out seven and continued a month long stretch of good performances.

“We talk a lot about the young pitchers and the time it takes to come here and have immediate success,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. “I think he’s just understanding how to pitch a little bit better. The execution of the pitches [is] starting to get better over the last month. The further Ken has gone along, the more it’s not just about throwing it as hard as you can. It’s about the execution of your pitches. Mixing your pitches. Being able to use the changeup behind in the count. We saw some of that tonight.”

A’s Coverage

• Extra inning collapse dooms Athletics in 7-2 loss to Orioles
• Kyle Muller shows promise in return to majors
• 2 “Under the Radar” deals could save the rebuild

MLB News

• Jose Altuve becomes third Astros player to reach 2,000 hits
• Tony Gonsolin to IL, ‘unlikely’ to pitch again this season
• Mariners’ Julio Rodriguez gets record 17th hit in 4 games
• Blue Jays designate Paul DeJong for assignment, activate Bo Bichette
• Phillies place Ranger Suarez on IL with hamstring strain
• Byron Buxton stepping into the outfield becomes ‘an actual conversation’
• Tigers release veteran catcher Eric Haase, sign Carson Kelly
• Noelvi Marte latest Reds prospect to get MLB call
• Manny Ramirez enters Guardians Hall of Fame, believes Cooperstown will come
• Orioles place Aaron Hicks on 10-day injured list

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