Athletics Nation - All PostsAn SB Nation blog for Oakland Athletics fanshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47025/an-fave.png2024-03-18T16:12:21-07:00http://www.athleticsnation.com/rss/current/2024-03-18T16:12:21-07:002024-03-18T16:12:21-07:00A’s game ends in another 3-3 tie
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<figcaption>Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>An omen for a .500 season?</p> <p id="DbNeBS">Another day, another tie.</p>
<p id="jJhC1p">After the Oakland Athletics caught the Chicago White Sox in the 9th inning of yesterday’s game, the team ended their second consecutive game in a 3-3 tie. This time it was against the reigning NL Champions, the Arizona Diamondbacks, for whom Merrill Kelly was excellent, striking out 7 batters in just 3 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>3</sub> scoreless innings.</p>
<p id="Sf8VZZ">Ross Stripling wasn’t as dominant for the A’s but it was a much better outing than his last two. After allowing a whopping 13 earned runs in his previous 7 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>3</sub> innings, the veteran righty had a much better line tonight, giving up a reasonable 3 runs in his 5 innings. He also struck out 3 and walked just 1, typical for his profile. He still allowed 7 hits, bringing his total up to 27 hits allowed this preseason in just 15 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>3</sub> innings. Some of it is surely BABIP-driven — it was at .429 before this game — but one has to wonder if the 34-year-old’s command-driven game is beginning to age. It’ll be something to monitor as the season gets going and the organization’s young starters (hopefully) begin pushing for major league roles.</p>
<p id="fBWo0r">In relief of Stripling, Michael Kelly and Zach Jackson each threw a scoreless inning. Jackson notably had a pair of strikeouts and no walks. The two are in competition for the last couple of backend bullpen spots and each has a decent argument.</p>
<p id="qer7Ow">Another contender one of those spots, as well as the fifth starter role, is Mitch Spence, who had arguably his best, albeit shortest, outing of the spring. In that last two innings of the game, the Rule 5 draftee struck out 5 batters and allowed just a single baserunner via walk. This should solidify his case for a roster spot, though the shorter outing indicates he’s being prepared more for the bullpen at this point with Joe Boyle firmly in his way.</p>
<p id="8YE35T">Up until the 8th when Spence came in, the A’s were down 3-0. A quartet of hits changed that as Jacob Wilson, Esteury Ruiz, Drew Lugbauer, and Logan Davidson gave the A’s the final 3-3 tie. Other offensive standouts include Brent Rooker, Hoy Park, and JD Davis, each of whom had a pair of hits. Davis notably is now 3-for-5 since being cast off by the Giants and joining the A’s. Between both organizations, Davis is batting a sexy .450/.500/.800 this spring.</p>
<p id="nBt7z2">The A’s will be back tomorrow to face the Dbacks’ World Series opponents and victors, the Texas Rangers. JP Sears and his 2.08 ERA will be taking the mound against the Ranger’s Yerry Rodriguez.</p>
https://www.athleticsnation.com/2024/3/18/24105341/oakland-athletics-arizona-diamondbacks-ross-stripling-mitch-spence-jd-davisJToster2024-03-18T12:00:00-07:002024-03-18T12:00:00-07:00A’s vs. Diamondbacks game thread
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<p id="xPLwQu">The Oakland Athletics ended yesterday’s contest against the Chicago White Sox in a 3-3 tie yesterday after a <a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/2024/3/17/24104324/oakland-athletics-chicago-white-sox-will-simpson-jd-david-alex-wood">clutch 9th inning homer</a> from young first baseman Will Simpson. Today, they’ll look to finish the job and get a win today against the reigning NL champions, the Arizona Diamondbacks.</p>
<p id="M00VyC">Starting for the A’s is Ross Stripling, who’s had a <em>rough</em> run in Spring Training. He comes into this outing with 10 <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>3</sub> innings of 11.32 ball, allowing 20 hits along the way. His strikeout-to-walk ratio still looks strong but his .429 BABIP is way higher than typical, so the trouble is at least partly luck-induced. He’ll face off against the Dbacks’ Merrill Kelly, who’s sporting a 3.60 ERA in two short starts this preseason. </p>
<p id="4shILy">Making his return from a back injury and batting leadoff for the A’s is Nick Allen, who’s hoping to get back into game shape in time to be the team’s Opening Day shortstop. J.D. Davis is also back in the lineup, this time DH’ing and batting second. Other notables include Kyle McCann fighting for the backup catcher role, Logan Davidson trying to make an impression, and Hoy Park playing second base in hopes of proving he’s fit for the utility role.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> Salt River Fields <a href="https://t.co/fztzNAYGQc">pic.twitter.com/fztzNAYGQc</a></p>— Oakland A's (@Athletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Athletics/status/1769767311802544404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="FIvJfc">And here’s the graphic-less Diamondbacks lineup:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dbacks?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dbacks</a> lineup vs. the A's:<br><br>McCarthy | CF<br>Moreno | C<br>Pederson | LF<br>Walker | 1B<br>Suárez | 3B<br>Peterson | SS<br>Newman | 2B<br>Almora | RF<br>Fernandez | DH<br>---<br>Kelly | P <a href="https://t.co/xFis51eeDY">pic.twitter.com/xFis51eeDY</a></p>— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dbacks/status/1769770159202308588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="7WPuB4">The game is scheduled to start at 1:10 p.m. PT. See y’all here!</p>
https://www.athleticsnation.com/2024/3/18/24105066/oakland-athletics-arizona-diamondbacks-game-threadJToster2024-03-18T09:38:37-07:002024-03-18T09:38:37-07:00Aledmys Diaz likely to begin season on injured list
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<figcaption>Photo by David Durochik/Diamond Images via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Another A’s veteran will likely miss the start of the season. </p> <p id="ptQau0">It has been a tough spring for <a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Oakland Athletics</a> infielder Aledmys Diaz who hasn’t appeared in a Cactus League game since February 26 due to groin and calf strains. Mark Kotsay told MLB.com’s Martin Gallegos Monday that Diaz is slated to begin a running program later this week, but likely won’t be ready for the start of the season. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aledmys Díaz will most likely begin a running program at the end of this week, which likely means he begins the season on the IL, per Kotsay.</p>— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) <a href="https://twitter.com/MartinJGallegos/status/1769761038193279361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="5CzpNF">The A’s signed Diaz to a two-year deal prior to the start of last season. His first season in Oakland was one of the worst of his career as he hit just .229/.280/.337 with four home runs and a 72 wRC+. He came to camp looking for a bounce back season, but appeared in just two games before suffering a groin strain. Diaz developed the calf issue while working his way back from the groin strain. </p>
https://www.athleticsnation.com/2024/3/18/24104940/aledmys-diaz-injury-calf-injured-list-oakland-athleticsKris Willis2024-03-18T07:00:00-07:002024-03-18T07:00:00-07:00Elephant Rumblings: Soderstrom headlines latest roster cuts
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<p>MLB news roundup</p> <p id="bbNyTZ">Happy Monday, Athletics Nation!</p>
<p id="jFrnVf">Opening Day is only 10 days away, and the A’s roster continues to be whittled down to reveal the true shape of the big league team we will be watching at the outset of the 2024 regular season.</p>
<p id="4s4UnI">Yesterday, we learned that top prospect <strong>Tyler Soderstrom</strong> will indeed undergo further development in Triple-A to start the 2024 season. Sodie hasn’t appeared any more MLB-ready this spring than he did in his time with Oakland last season. So it’s back to Vegas, where we hope the 22-year-old will figure out how to swing the big stick in the bigs once and for all. </p>
<p id="M8JChC">Four non-roster invitees were also sent down, including <strong>Max Shuemann</strong>, <strong>Armando Alvarez</strong>, <strong>Daz Cameron</strong>, and <strong>Max Muncy</strong>. Be sure to check out the terrific writeup by <strong>JToster</strong> on these <a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/2024/3/17/24104358/oakland-athletics-option-soderstrom-reassign-four-nris-to-minors">latest roster cuts</a>.</p>
<p id="TFHA0L">The A’s new third baseman and cross-bay import <strong>J.D. Davis</strong> made his debut in green and gold and figured prominently in baseball stories yesterday. Davis told <strong>Martin Gallegos at </strong><a href="http://MLB.com"><strong>MLB.com</strong></a> that his unexpected release from the Giants was “a punch to the gut,” but he’s <a href="https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/mlb/oakland-athletics/j-d-davis-punch-to-gut-giants-release/1714094/">happy to have his shot at an everyday role with the A’s</a>.</p>
<p id="q94zVK">Gallegos also reported on how A’s new pitcher and cross-bay import <strong>Alex Wood </strong><a href="https://www.mlb.com/athletics/news/alex-wood-persuaded-j-d-davis-to-join-a-s">played a role in recruiting Davis</a> to the A’s. Wood pitched five solid innings against the White Sox yesterday, looking ready for his first season in Oakland.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Solid outing for Alex Wood in likely his second-to-last outing before the regular season: 5IP, 4H, 2R (1ER), 0BB, 6K, 1HR. 70 pitches, 49 strikes.</p>— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) <a href="https://twitter.com/MartinJGallegos/status/1769474159820911033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<p id="pBbE8G">Davis got off to a nice start, too.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">J.D. Davis ropes a one-out double into left-center in his first at-bat with the A's.</p>— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) <a href="https://twitter.com/MartinJGallegos/status/1769461063748341957?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<p id="F6cEXF">Have a wonderful week, AN.</p>
<h2 id="AHlE59"><strong>A’s Coverage:</strong></h2>
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<li id="bQOLqY"><a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/2024/3/17/24104358/oakland-athletics-option-soderstrom-reassign-four-nris-to-minors">A’s option Soderstrom, reassign four NRIs to minors</a></li>
<li id="0wV5Up"><a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/2024/3/17/24104324/oakland-athletics-chicago-white-sox-will-simpson-jd-david-alex-wood">Simpson’s clutch homer forces tie in Davis’ A’s debut</a></li>
<li id="rD0aa8">
<a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/alex-wood-persuaded-j-d-davis-to-join-a-s">How a former teammate helped bring Davis to Oakland</a> </li>
<li id="6Kclld"><a href="https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/mlb/oakland-athletics/j-d-davis-punch-to-gut-giants-release/1714094/">Davis calls Giants release ‘punch to the gut,’ happy for role with A’s</a></li>
<li id="suMcgi"><a href="https://www.si.com/mlb/athletics/news/former-as-infielder-has-chance-to-break-camp-with-new-york-yankees">Former A’s Infielder has Chance to Break Camp with New York Yankees</a></li>
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<h2 id="CBWNmR"><strong>MLB News & Interest:</strong></h2>
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<li id="kjp2G4">
<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5349126%2F2024%2F03%2F17%2Fbryce-harper-back-stiffness-phillies%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.athleticsnation.com%2F2024%2F3%2F18%2F24104294%2Felephant-rumblings-soderstrom-headlines-latest-roster-cuts" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Phillies say they’re not concerned, but Bryce Harper’s bothersome back is worth watching</a> ($)</li>
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<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5347677%2F2024%2F03%2F17%2Fdylan-cease-padres-south-korea%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.athleticsnation.com%2F2024%2F3%2F18%2F24104294%2Felephant-rumblings-soderstrom-headlines-latest-roster-cuts" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Why Dylan Cease and the Padres decided the pitcher should make a solo trek to South Korea</a> ($)</li>
<li id="Ohgi5t"><a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/03/mets-notes-davis-alonso-mcneil.html">Mets Notes: Davis, Alonso, McNeil</a></li>
<li id="ATL4tG"><a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/03/dodgers-notes-lux-hurts-future-moves.html">Dodgers Notes: Lux, Hurt, Future Moves</a></li>
<li id="SCq4KL"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/joey-votto-homers-in-first-spring-training-at-bat-with-blue-jays">Votto homers one pitch into his Blue Jays career</a></li>
<li id="Zd2j1K"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/kyle-stowers-hits-three-home-runs-vs-tigers">Brewers’ top two prospects are Breakout standouts</a></li>
<li id="hGiISZ"><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/March_18">Today in Baseball History</a></li>
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<h2 id="zSbyCn"><strong>Best of X:</strong></h2>
<p id="LXzmB1">Roster moves.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A’S RECENT MOVES: C Tyler Soderstrom optioned to LV, Schuemann, Alvarez, Cameron & Muncy sent to minor league camp, 3B J.D.Davis signed as free agent, RHP Angel Felipe designated for assignment…<a href="https://t.co/joKXkyUAPy">https://t.co/joKXkyUAPy</a></p>— Athletics Farm (@AthleticsFarm) <a href="https://twitter.com/AthleticsFarm/status/1769514715762622689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="qDlZhH">Six players still trying out.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Langeliers, Noda, Gelof, Davis, Allen, Rooker, Ruiz, Brown, Bleday, Andujar appear to be set. If Aledmys Diaz opens on the IL, that leaves 6 guys - Perez, McCann, Toro, Hernaiz, Park, Butler - competing for 3 spots. Toro, Hernaiz, Butler are on the 40-man. Toro is out of options.</p>— Athletics Farm (@AthleticsFarm) <a href="https://twitter.com/AthleticsFarm/status/1769512808050557096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<p id="knLQmq">Allen looking good for Opening Day. Aledmys, not so much.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A's injuries:<br>- Nick Allen is playing in a Minor League game today. Good chance he'll return to action this week.<br>- Aledmys Díaz (calf) not doing baseball activity. Still needs to begin a running progression, but there may not be enough time to return before the season begins.</p>— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) <a href="https://twitter.com/MartinJGallegos/status/1769425766960562631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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https://www.athleticsnation.com/2024/3/18/24104294/elephant-rumblings-soderstrom-headlines-latest-roster-cutsDanielTatomer2024-03-17T17:09:16-07:002024-03-17T17:09:16-07:00A’s option Soderstrom, reassign four NRIs to minors
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<figcaption>Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Roster contenders Max Schuemann and Armando Alvarez were among the other notable preseason cuts.</p> <p id="1v1S1q">The Oakland Athletics young catcher Tyler Soderstrom to Triple-A today and reassigned four non-roster invitees to minor league camp: Max Schuemann, Armando Alvarez, Max Muncy, and Daz Cameron.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Oakland A’s optioned C Tyler Soderstrom to Triple-A Las Vegas. The A’s also reassigned four non-roster invitees to their minor league camp, including INFs Armando Alvarez and Max Muncy and OFs Daz Cameron and Max Schuemann.</p>— Oakland A's Communications (@AthleticsPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/AthleticsPR/status/1769499699697066162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<p id="7QhxAO">Soderstrom’s case for the backup catcher spot was always a shaky one. Not only did he look completely lost in 138 plate appearances in the majors last season — hitting a paltry .160/.232/.240 and striking out 31.2% of the time — he still doesn’t have a comfortable defensive home. </p>
<p id="bAYy9y">Shea Langeliers has catcher locked down until he doesn’t, so Soderstrom doesn’t really have a clear path to contribute there in the near future. Carlos Perez will likely do a decent job holding the backup spot down unless Kyle McCann starts raking these final couple of weeks. At first base, Ryan Noda is fairly entrenched with newcomer J.D. Davis likely filling in on his off-days. The A’s also have a shown a reluctance to letting young guys settle for DH’ing, no matter how poor their defense is (see Jordan Diaz).</p>
<p id="ZpThaG">The silver lining to this is that Soderstrom will go back to Triple-A and work on answering both the questions about his bat and his glove. He hit a decent-seeming .252/.307/.526 with 21 homeruns in Las Vegas last season but that equates to a 12% below-average batting line in the hitter-friendly PCL. He didn’t look great in preseason camp either.</p>
<p id="6zVRT9"><strong>Tyler Soderstrom:</strong> 36 PAs, .121/.167/.182, 0 HRs, 22.2% K%, 5.6% BB%</p>
<p id="nixwqg">His hit and power tools were always supposed to be what carried him to big league success, so he’ll need to prove he can not only but <em>dominate</em> handle upper-minors pitching in order to get back to the big leagues. Defensively, it’s unclear what the A’s plans are but this whole C/1B strategy seems like it’ll backfire at some point and he’ll be left without a position, regardless of how good his bat is.</p>
<p id="d0H6E5">Of the NRIs that got reassigned today, infielders Max Schuemann and Armando Alvarez are the most notable roster cuts as they were competing for the last bench spot. Both hit well while in camp and filled in at multiple positions. </p>
<p id="rppVf6"><strong>Max Schuemann:</strong> 35 PAs, .310/.400/.414, 1 HR, 17.1% K%, 8.6% BB%</p>
<p id="QNnSaV"><strong>Armando Alvarez:</strong> 30 PAs, .393/.433/.536, 1 HR, 10% K%, 6.7% BB%</p>
<p id="jG9Lda">Unfortunately, their campaigns for the major league roster weakened when the A’s signed J.D. Davis to play third base every day, which pushes utilityman Abraham Toro to the bench. The remaining contenders for that last spot are likely Hoy Park, Lawrence Butler, and Darell Hernaiz. I have my money on Park as Butler and Hernaiz fall a bit into the “should have hit better in Vegas” category with Soderstrom.</p>
<p id="ai4DBG">Outfielder Daz Cameron was even more of a long shot to make the roster and his spring performance didn’t help increase those odds. He’ll likely spend a good chunk of time at Triple-A waiting for injuries to open up a spot for him. </p>
<p id="W8Y7EN"><strong>Daz Cameron:</strong> 31 PAs, .185/.290/.185, 0 HRs, 38.7% K%, 12.9% BB%</p>
<p id="rsloUo">Meanwhile, top shortstop prospect Max Muncy showed off some pop in his limited appearances but also struck out a ton. It’s not surprising for a 21-year-old with only 51 games at Double-A, but he showed improved plate discipline every time he’s moved up a level. Hopefully, his spring swinging was an anomaly and not a regression of habits. Either way, he’ll have plenty of time this season to clean things up as he fights for his next promotion up to Las Vegas. </p>
<p id="9zKQy5"><strong>Max Muncy:</strong> 31 PAs, .172/.226/.448, 2 HRs, 48.4% K%, 6.5% BB%</p>
https://www.athleticsnation.com/2024/3/17/24104358/oakland-athletics-option-soderstrom-reassign-four-nris-to-minorsJToster2024-03-17T16:25:28-07:002024-03-17T16:25:28-07:00Simpson’s clutch homer forces tie in Davis’ A’s debut
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<img alt="MLB: Oakland Athletics at Minnesota Twins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HuEr6ldh_Z7fE4dNJBJVfXdUAm0=/0x1:4199x2800/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214029/usa_today_21510015.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="rSbdvR">The Oakland Athletics looked like they were on the verge of their fifth straight preseason loss as they gave up to go-ahead run to the Chicago White Sox in the top of the 9th inning. </p>
<p id="Z4Vbre">Now down 3-2 and Mark Kotsay in “empty the bench” mode, little-known low-A first baseman Will Simpson stepped up to the plate to face Chicago’s Jonathano Cannon, who’d been rolling with 3 straight scoreless innings. The A’s drafted Simpson in the 15th round of last year’s amateur draft to very little fanfare, despite having a monster senior year at University of Washington. However, after translating that momentum into .322/.373/.522 batting line in 126 plate appearances with the Stockton Ports after the draft, MLB Pipeline squeezed him into the last position on their ranking of the A’s top 30 prospects.</p>
<p id="EPAXYC">Today, he put the major league coaches on notice. Down 1-2 in the count, Simpson launched a fly ball into left-center field and out of the park, tying the preseason game at 3-3 with no innings left to go. Unfortunately, none of his successors in the lineup could manufacture the walk-off win, but it was undoubtedly a memorable moment for the 22-year-old who’s hoping to climb the organizational ladder this year into the upper minors.</p>
<p id="lJQbNA">Oakland’s previous runs occurred in the bottom of the 5th as Shea Langeliers, Darell Hernaiz, and Lawrence Butler loaded the bases. A wild pitch and a Tyler Soderstrom groundout helped keep Oakland in the game long enough for Simpson’s heroics. Also of note, J.D. Davis made his A’s debut after his contract debacle and lined a double in one of his two at-bats. He won’t change the A’s fortunes this season, but he’ll bring an above-average bat and, mor importantly, stability to the ever-revolving door at third base.</p>
<p id="miOmcE">On the pitching side, the staff had a strong day in Arizona. Pitching one of his final starts of the spring, Alex Wood threw 5 innings of 2-run ball (only 1 earned) and struck out 6 batters while walking none. That lowers his preseason ERA to a passable 4.76 and keeps him lined up for the third spot in the rotation.</p>
<p id="7rnObP">Behind him, Sean Newcomb, Dany Jimenez, and Mason Miller combined for 4 strikeouts in 3 scoreless innings. Miller continues to look unhittable this spring and is poised to have a big year out of the A’s bullpen, regardless of whether he or Jimenez are closing games. Newcomb also pitched well in just his third outing of the preseason after returning from offseason knee surgery. With Scott Alexander slated for the IL, Newcomb should have a clear path to at least a middle relief role on the team.</p>
<p id="INIsAr">The A’s come back tomorrow to face off against the reigning NL Champions, the Arizona Diamondbacks, with Ross Stripling facing off against Merrill Kelly.</p>
https://www.athleticsnation.com/2024/3/17/24104324/oakland-athletics-chicago-white-sox-will-simpson-jd-david-alex-woodJToster2024-03-17T12:00:00-07:002024-03-17T12:00:00-07:00A’s vs. White Sox game thread
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<img alt="Oakland Athletics Photo Day" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lMfpzYF6B1TyDz5BC-6saAnCZAY=/0x0:5909x3939/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73213506/2033758944.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="LLnZVv">The Oakland A’s lost both games yesterday and are now riding a four-game losing streak into their matchup against the Chicago White Sox today.</p>
<p id="HGkpGk">Alex Wood will be starting for the A’s as he hopes to build momentum as the likely third man in the rotation. Meanwhile, the White Sox, after trading their ace Dylan Cease and moving top prospect Michael Kopech, are auditioning a few different guys for the last spot in their rotation, including today’s starter Nick Nastrini.</p>
<p id="tqYszO">Batting sixth for the A’s today is newcomer J.D. Davis at third base. Lawrence Butler and Darell Hernaiz, both still trying to make their case for a roster spot, are hitting first and last in the lineup. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">J.D. Davis makes his A’s debut in Mesa ☀️ <a href="https://t.co/VsKaSgnoO5">pic.twitter.com/VsKaSgnoO5</a></p>— Oakland A's (@Athletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Athletics/status/1769420052741452031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<p id="0BSQCR">Batting for the rebuilding White Sox:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dominic Fletcher leads us off vs. the A's <a href="https://t.co/GED8fuWTI4">pic.twitter.com/GED8fuWTI4</a></p>— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) <a href="https://twitter.com/whitesox/status/1769386223359988129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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https://www.athleticsnation.com/2024/3/17/24103932/oakalnd-athletics-chicago-white-sox-game-threadJToster2024-03-17T08:00:00-07:002024-03-17T08:00:00-07:00Elephant Rumblings: A’s 2024 pitching fortunes
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ni7Gw_pqefkafkeJPyWhc1HIYQI=/0x0:2562x1708/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73213160/usa_today_22538896.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>MLB news roundup </p> <p id="rAkrnO">Good morning A’s nation, happy St. Patrick’s Day.</p>
<p id="o3aKXz">To stay on par with today’s festivities, I decided to dedicate this morning's Elephant Rumbling to a position group whose fortune will have everything to do with the A’s 2024: pitching.</p>
<p id="qnNDTx">Coming off a 2023 season where A’s pitching came dead last in ERA at 5.48, the A’s doubled down this offseason on veteran arms such as Scott Alexander, Ross Stripling, Alex Wood and Trevor Gott. Spring Training hasn’t been the best indication of some of these men so far, but I do think they’ll make a strong impact when it’s all said and done.</p>
<p id="TIxGqc">The names I’m looking at though are the names from within, however. </p>
<p id="iG1DfU">All signs point to JP Sears taking another step forward in this young rotation to be the A’s Opening Day starter, especially after a strong Cactus League. The same can also be said about Luis Medina’s strides this spring as the 24-year-old is expected to be part of the rotation yet again. </p>
<p id="P3phfb">Joe Boyle has an explosive arm and a nasty repertoire with easily enough promise to crack the A’s Opening Day rotation, but walks and command will be his kryptonite. Joey Estes, a 22-year-old who cracked the big leagues last September, has impressed this Spring in his regard also allowing just one run and two hits over seven innings while striking out eight. Expect both Boyle and Estes to make their cases interesting for chances all season long.</p>
<p id="6fhEEE">Then there’s the bullpen where I immediately look toward two lefty arms: Kyle Muller and Sean Newcomb. </p>
<p id="HEGPTs">Muller was the Opening Day starter back in 2023 but projects more as a long reliever this coming season thanks to A’s additions. With a 2023 record of 1-5 with a 7.60 ERA and 4.6 BB/9, Muller simply needs to be better if the A’s have any aspirations of improving drastically and I do expect him to improve in the bullpen. </p>
<p id="DmdMF1">The question with Newcomb will be if the A’s can squeeze any kind of brilliance out of him. Acquired this past September, Muller has yet to record a full season's worth of work since 2019 with the Atlanta Braves thanks to injury and minor league stints. The former 15th overall pick has shown flashes of brilliance before, albeit more in a starter role, but at 30 years old, Newcomb will be depended on mightily this season for his age and expertise out of the young A’s bullpen. </p>
<p id="F0cLgV">I know this dialogue has likely all run through many of your heads before, but I repeat it now solely after watching the A’s pitching staff allow 22 runs in a split-squad effort on Saturday. Many expect several names in the lineup to make generous strides en route to what should be a much improved 2024 season, but I say that the A’s pitching will be the one to dictate how far the team goes. I guess their <em>luck </em>can only improve from last season. </p>
<p id="Mt8Sru">But I want to hear from you A’s nation; what are some names you’re looking forward to watching out of the A’s pitching rotation this season? What are some players that can fly under the radar and give some meaningful contributions?</p>
<p id="kYfENu">Catch the aforementioned Wood in action today as the A’s continue their Cactus League slate with the Chicago White Sox at Hohokam Stadium. Enjoy the rest of your weekends too, A’s Nation!</p>
<p id="IBxGsk"><strong>A’s Coverage: </strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="YZQPbU"><a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/2024/3/16/24103378/as-designate-angel-felipe-for-assignment">A’s designate Angel Felipe for assignment</a></li>
<li id="9Vzxo1"><a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/2024/3/15/24102512/assessing-spring-training-performances-as-roster-decisions-loom-darell-hernaiz-ross-stripling">Assessing Spring Training Performances As Roster Decisions Loom</a></li>
<li id="pXnSpc"><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/former-as-infielder-has-chance-to-break-camp-with-new-york-yankees/ar-BB1k2zxd">Former A’s Infielder has Chance to Break Camp with New York Yankees</a></li>
<li id="0ucjoP"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/athletics/news/max-schuemann-drawing-a-s-attention-during-spring-training">A’s No. 21 prospect could be next super-utility man</a></li>
<li id="1vXERl"><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/houston-astros-2014-draft-has-paid-off-for-oakland-a-s/ar-BB1k0THg">Houston Astros 2014 Draft Has Paid Off for Oakland A’s</a></li>
</ul>
<p id="GebP0E"><strong>MLB News and Interest</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="wPSBvx"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/astros/news/mlb-teams-that-made-the-best-offseason-moves-2023-24">These 12 teams won the MLB offseason</a></li>
<li id="tM5hrS"><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/braves-news-isaiah-drake-shines-in-spring-breakout-morton-s-mixed-bag-more/ar-BB1k2kuT">Braves News: Isaiah Drake shines in Spring Breakout, Morton’s mixed bag, more</a></li>
<li id="kCiAeV"><a href="https://www.si.com/mlb/astros/news/mlb-insider-compares-houston-astros-bullpen-nasty-boys-cincinnati-reds-matt9">MLB Insider Compares Houston Astros’ Bullpen To ‘Nasty Boys’</a></li>
<li id="OEa5VG"><a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10113240-mlb-rumors-yankees-refused-to-trade-spencer-jones-for-dylan-cease-or-corbin-burnes">MLB Rumors: Yankees ‘Refused’ to Trade Spencer Jones for Dylan Cease or Corbin Burnes</a></li>
<li id="hBT7O3"><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/former-dodgers-minor-leaguer-announces-retirement-from-mlb/ar-BB1k0U2j">Former Dodgers Minor Leaguer Announces Retirement From MLB</a></li>
<li id="5pnD6j"><a href="https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/MLB/2024/02/23/MLB-see-through-pants-working-players/8921708702999/">MLB working on uniform fit alterations amid see-through pants controversy</a></li>
</ul>
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https://www.athleticsnation.com/2024/3/17/24103808/elephant-rumblings-as-2024-pitching-fortunesdfriis