Category: MLB

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Yankees go with Fried to start on opening day Mar 25; Did Skubal step away to join Tigers in spring training; plus more news

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New York Yankees left hand pitcher Max Fried will be the starting pitcher against the San Francisco Giants on opening day Wed Mar 25, 2026 at Oracle Park in San Francisco (AP News photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Will New York Yankees’ new Opening Day pitcher LHP Max Fried lead the rotation to a strong start? .

#2 Which players could become surprise trade candidates before the 2026 MLB deadline?

#3 Why did Tarik Skubal leave Team USA after his World Baseball Classic appearance? The Detroit Tigers ace made headlines after stepping away from Team USA duties following his WBC debut.

#4 Which players are standing out in spring training as Opening Day approaches? Early performances—like big home runs and defensive plays—are drawing attention as teams finalize their rosters for the start of the 2026 season.

#5 MLB questions specifically about the Dodgers and Giants rivalry. The Dodgers multiple World Series wins and the Giants new manager Tony Vitello will he be able to get the Giants to the post season?

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

Quick afternoon in Scottsdale, as Angels beat Giants 2-0 in spring training version of pitcher’s duel

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San Francisco Giants Bryce Eldridge is in camp and is the most anticipated propect in camp (Bay Area News Group photo)

By Stephen Ruderman

SCOTTSDALE AZ–Robbie Ray was a bit shaky over four no-hit innings, and the Angels scored two runs in the top of the ninth inning to hand the Giants just their third loss of the spring in a very-quick two-hour-and-11-minute game on a spectacular partly-cloudy day at Scottsdale Stadium..

Ray threw a 1-2-3 top of the first inning, and a scoreless top of the second. He was less sharp in the third, when he walked two, but he still got out of the inning unscathed. 

Ray then went into the fourth inning for the first time this spring. He walked two with one out, and then Christian Moore hit a bullet to third that was snagged by Matt Chapman, who threw to second to double off Vaughn Grisson for a spectacular inning-ending double play.

Ray threw 56 pitches overall.

Giants’ offense goes silent on live day at Scottsdale Stadium:

It was surprising to see the Giants’ offense go cold on a day where the ball was flying out during batting practice, but the Giants were limited to just three hits today.

Rafael Devers returned today, after missing 12 days due to a tight left hamstring. In his return today, Devers went 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts. However, he was hammering the ball during batting practice. Matt Chapman and Patrick Bailey also went 0-for-3.

There was hardly a cloud in the sky during batting practice, but it turned into a gorgeous partly-cloudy day here in Scottsdale. It was the most-perfect weather for baseball you could ask for. However, with the fact that some thunderstorms are heading into the valley tonight, perhaps the higher humidity—26%, but rather-high for the desert—kept the ball in the park during the game.

Drew Gilbert cleared to DH:

Prior to the game, Manager Tony Vitello said that outfielder Drew Gilbert was cleared by doctors to take at-bats as a designated hitter.

Gilbert has been out since Feb. 25 with a left shoulder impingement. He has been working out at the Giants’ practice facility.

Vitello indicated that Gilbert could be back in the lineup as soon as tomorrow or Wednesday. However, he also said that the team is trying to play it cautiously.

Headline Sports podcast Charlie O: How will Tatum’s return from Achilles injury impact the Celtics; A’s showcasing in Vegas in exhibition play; plus more news

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Boston Celtics Jayson Tatum has returned after suffering an Achilles injury. Here he is blowing kisses to fans and playing against the Dallas Mavericks in the second half on Fri Mar 6, 2026 at the Boston Garden (AP News photo)

Headline Sports podcast Charlie O:

#1 How might Jayson Tatum’s return from a long Achilles injury impact the Boston Celtics’ playoff chances and team chemistry during the final stretch of the regular season?

#2 What factors usually enable teams to complete massive comebacks like the Spurs’ 25-point rally against the LA Clippers on Friday night, and what does it reveal about their resilience and in-game adjustments?

#3 The Sacramento Kings snapped a three game losing streak Sunday night defeating the Chicago Bulls 126-110. The Kings in recent games have been heavily dependent on Precious Achiuwa, Russell Westbrook, and Malik Monk.

#4 Turning to Major League Baseball the Sacramento A’s are playing a two game set in Las Vegas. On Saturday they lost to the Angles 3-0 and Sunday they played their split squad against the Angels all at Aviators Park in Las Vegas. How much was this series to get a measuring stick on local interest for the A’s who will be coming to Vegas in 2028?

#5 The San Francisco Giants in Sunday’s game improve to 13-3 in pre season play and have roll going in spring training. Is this just a look at guys trying to make the roster with a combination of double A and triple A players. Or has Giants manager Tony Vitello got this team firing on all cylinders?

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Jesus Rodriguez making impression in camp, and shines in Giants’ 9-5 win over Cubs

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San Francisco Giants center fielder Will Brennan (7) rounds third base against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park in Mesa AZ on Sun Mar 8, 2026 (San Francisco Giants X photo)

By Stephen Ruderman

MESA–Over the last year, Buster Posey has greatly improved the Giants’ farm system, and those improvements, particularly Jesus Rodriguez, shined Sunday in the Giants’ 9-5 win over the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park in Mesa.

On July 30 of last year, the Giants traded closer Camilo Doval to the Yankees. In return, they got a young catcher and third-baseman in Jesus Rodriguez. Rodriguez is a contact hitter, who does not strike out often, and can hit over .300.

Since the start of camp, Daniel Susac has been the favorite to be the backup catcher to Patrick Bailey. Until yesterday, Rodriguez had been off to a rough start, and went 2-for-12 in his first eight games.

Saturday—in the Giants’ other split-squad game, which was against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick—Rodriguez got to start. The young catcher took full advantage of it, and showed just what he can do. Rodriguez went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and two RBIs.

Tony Vitello gave Rodriguez another start Sunday, this time as the designated hitter. Rodriguez’s afternoon did not get off to the greatest start. He flew out to right-center field in his first at-bat in the top of the first inning. He then drew a walk off Cubs’ left-hander Luke Little to lead off the top of the fourth, but was picked off at first base on what was a questionable move by Little.

Rodriguez stepped up against Connor Schultz in the top of the sixth, following a lead-off home run by Grant McCray. Rodriguez hit a home run of his own to left-center field. Those two home runs were part of a four-run top of the sixth for the Giants, which made the difference today. Infielder Buddy Kennedy hit a home run as well in the sixth. His was a two-run shot to left.

Rodriguez capped off his afternoon with a line-drive base-hit to center with two outs in the top of the seventh. All in all, it was a 2-for-3 afternoon for Rodriguez, with an RBI, and a walk.

It is safe to say that Rodriguez will get some more playing time as camp winds down over the next two weeks. Daniel Susac, Rodriguez’s main competition for the backup catcher’s role, went 1-for-3, and upped his average to .350. Rodriguez is 7-for-19 overall this spring, and is hitting .368. This could turn out to be a big decision for Vitello.

Landen Roupp solid in second spring start:

Landen Roupp, who made 22 starts for the Giants last season, made his second start of the spring today.

Roupp struck out four over three shutout innings in his first start back on Feb. 24 against the Los Angeles Angels in Tempe. Sunday, he made his first appearance in nearly two weeks.

Roupp got off to a rough start in the bottom of first. Michael Busch nearly had extra bases to lead off the inning, but center-fielder Will Brennan made a spectacular sliding catch at the track in left-center with his back completely to the infield. Nico Heorner then fisted a double down the left field line.

Roupp retired the next two, and then walked Dansby Swanson. Former Giant Michael Conforto came up, and grounded a base-hit up the middle to knock in Heorner.

Roupp then threw 1-2-3 innings in the second and third to wrap up what was a solid afternoon. Roupp went three innings, and gave up a run on two hits. He walked one, and struck out 2.

Blade Tidwell rocked in third appearance of camp:

Blade Tidwell, who came along with Drew Gilbert in the Tyler Rogers deal with the Mets last July, came in for his third outing of the spring in the bottom of the fourth.

Tidwell, once a starter, is now being looked at as a reliever. Tidwell threw a shutout inning in the Giants’ cactus league opener against the Seattle Mariners in Peoria on Feb. 21. He then gave up two runs over two innings against the Colorado Rockies five days later in Scottsdale, on Feb. 26.

Sunday was a day to completely forget for Tidwell. Like Roupp, Tidwell was coming off significant rest, as he had not pitched in 11 days. Perhaps that contributed to his nightmare outing Sunday.

The Cubs manufactured a run against Tidwell in the bottom of the fourth, and then put up a three spot on him in the bottom of the fifth. After Cubs’ catcher Moises Ballesteros knocked in a pair with a base-hit with two outs, Tidwell was pulled.

Tidwell gave up four runs and five hits over an inning and two thirds. He walked two, and struck out four.

First time at Sloan Park:

Sunday, I finally got to see Sloan Park for the first time.


It opened in 2014, and has the exact same dimensions as Wrigley Field, but without the bricks and ivey on the walls. Cubs’ fans have packed this place, and have made it perhaps the top destination in the Cactus League since.

There was a reason this park was on my bucket list. Beyond right field, you have a beautiful view of the mountains east of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Beyond left field, behind the grass where fans sit, is a two-story building, which is mostly painted in the same red color of the bricks that make up Wrigley Field’s outfield wall. 

The first story consists of concession stands and a Cubs team shop. The second is a rooftop club, featuring two bars, where fans can sit and take in the game.

For any fan coming to Arizona for Spring Training, Sloan Park is a must-visit.

Other notes:

  • With their win today, the Giants are now 13-2 on the spring. They are two games ahead of the Atlanta Braves for the best record in Spring Training
  • Outfielder Luis Matos, who is out of options, has been off to a torrid start this spring. 

Matos came into yesterday’s game hitting .450. However, he took 0-for-2s, both yesterday against the Rangers, and today. He was also hit by a pitch his first time up today in the top of the second.

  • After a 3-for-3 game against the Rangers yesterday, outfielder Jerar Encarnacion went 2-for-4 today to get his average up to .300.
  • Reliever Keaton Winn pitched 1-2-3 innings in the sixth and seventh, and struck out two.
  • As for other prospects, infielder Parks Harber went 1-for-2, and put the Giants on the board with a two-run home run to right-center in the top of the fifth.

San Francisco Giants recap: Fun day in Scottsdale results in Giants’ 7-5 cactus league win over Rangers

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San Francisco Giants’ Adrian Houser throws during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, in Phoenix.Chris Carlson/AP

By Stephen Ruderman

SCOTTSDALE AZ–It was a fun day at Scottsdale Stadium, as the sun shined bright on a perfect day for baseball, and the Giants’ regulars exercised perfect fundamentals in what turned out to be a 7-5 Cactus League win for the Giants over the Texas Rangers.

The Rangers came all the way from across town in Surprise, and thus did something very rare in Spring Training. They took batting practice in another team’s park.

Two former Rangers’ managers were on hand in new Giants’ coach Ron Washington, and former Giants’ manager Bruce Bochy, who is back in the organization as a special advisor. Considering that Bochy just managed the Rangers over the last three seasons, and guided them to the world championship in 2023, it was no surprise to see him get embraced by his former players.

Prior to the game, during batting practice, Giants’ hitters were laying down bunts, and lining the ball the opposite way. It is part of the hitting approach of new Giants’ hitting coach Hunter Mense. Mense spent the last four years as the assistant hitting coach for the Toronto Blue Jays, and his small ball approach played a key role in getting the Blue Jays to the World Series last season.

Prior to the game, it was chilly, and the wind was howling in from center field, which is quite uncommon in this ballpark. By gametime, the winds subsided, and the temperatures climbed up into the 70s.

Left-hander Carson Whisenhunt made the start for the Giants, and threw three shutout innings, giving up just one hit, and striking out five. Mense’s small ball approach was on full display in a three-run bottom of the fourth inning, when Jerar Encarnacion and Willy Adames kept the line moving with RBI base-hits.

In terms of relief pitchers, Spencer Bivens pitched through a jam in the top of the fourth. Ryan Walker, who is the favorite to reclaim the closer’s job this season, threw a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the fifth. Left-hander Matt Gage struggled, as he gave up two runs in the top of the sixth.

The Rangers scored three runs in the top of the seventh to take a 5-4 lead, but the Giants’ non-roster invitees and minor leaguers responded with three runs in the bottom of the eighth, and the Giants won it 7-5.

The Giants were playing a split squad, and beat the Arizona Diamondbacks over at Talking Stick, 7-4. Infielder Josuar Gonzalez, one of the Giants’ top prospects, hit a double in his first cactus league at-bat in that game.

Of course these games don’t count, but the Giants are 12-2 on the spring.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: From My Notebook-Cuba Baseball has been a constant for over 100 Years

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Former Cleveland Indians pitcher Luis Tiant deals against the New York Yankees in this 1968 photo. Tiant is one of the most famous pitchers from Cuba (AP News file photo)

From My Notebook: Cuba Baseball has been a constant for over 100 Years

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Since the largest island in the Caribbean became a free nation on May 20, 1902, winning independence from Spain, through governments of Presidential Democracy, the Batista dictatorship from 1952 to 1959, and the current Communist State from 1959 to the present.

Baseball has been a constant, no matter what type of government is ruling the island. The Brooklyn Dodgers held Spring Training in Havana, Cuba, multiple times, most notably in 1941, 1942, and in 1947, which was Segregation Avoidance. To escape segregation in the US, the Dodgers trained in Havana.

White players stayed at the Hotel Nacional, while Jackie Roinbosn and other Black teammates like Camapanella and Newxome were housed in a lower-budget hotel outside the city of Havana. The team famously flew to Havana in a team-owned Convair 440 Metropolitan.

No matter what politics were going on here in the United States from before 1947, when a Dodgers’ young star by the name of Jackie Robinson and after, Cuba always welcomed all baseball players, black or white. Therefore,

In Latin America, Cuba is considered a pioneer in baseball. World economists are predicting the collapse of the Cuban economy. Prior to 1959, Cuba provided roughly one-third of total U.S. sugar imports, but under the current system of government, blackouts are common all over the island, shortages of medicine, food, and other essential services, people’s discontent with government repression, and the near-death of their tourism industry.

Prior to 1959, Cuba provided roughly one-third of total U.S. sugar imports. The US blockade of Cuba is also impactful, however. As of early 2026, Cuba’s primary trading partners, with whom it conducts significant import and export activities, include China, Spain, Canada, and various European Union nations .

Key imports consist of food, fuel, and machinery, while exports focus on tobacco, nickel, and medical products. Doesn’t matter what the political situation is; for over a century, Cuba’s baseball has continued year-round, especially until 1960, when Cuba. The Professional Winter League was widely famous, attracting many Major League players, Cubans like Orestes (Minnie)Miñoso, to Camilo Pascua to Luis Tiant to Pedro Ramos and Bill Werele, and many big American stars (which I seen play in that league when I was a teen, guys like Brooks Robinson,

Hoyt Wilherm, Bob Skinner, Jackie Brandt and many others at the old Estadio eel Cerro in La Habana. The biggest difference being that until 1959 Cuban-born players where free to travel to the US, but or decacnes things have changed and many of the Cuban stars today in MLB either defected when they were playing with thei National team outside Cuba, or many risk their lives to escape in homemade boats and arrifve in the US, one that comes to mind was Yoanis Céspedes, whom I used to interpret when I was broadcasting Oakland A’s games.

No matter what happens in Cuba, I believe another change is coming soon. Baseball will always live in Cuba. one popular Cuban sayings and their meanings! 1. “Más sabe el diablo por viejo que por diablo.” Translation: The devil knows more because he’s old than because he’s the devil. Meaning: Experience is more valuable than knowledge or cunning.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: How the Auto Ball/Strike is working out; Judge for yourself as Aaron Judge tries on Team USA uniform; plus more news

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New York Yankee Aaron Judge tries on his Team USA uniform as he prepares for the World Baseball Classic at Spring training (photo by SportsKeeda Baseball)

That’s Amuay News and Commentary podcast:

#1 MLB’s Spring Breakout is being restructured into two single-elimination tournaments for 2027 — what impact might that have on how teams develop and showcase their top prospects?

#2 With the 2026 World Baseball Classic set to begin this week, how might players’ involvement in the international tournament affect their MLB spring training preparations and regular-season readiness?

#3 How significant is the early success of teams like the Sacramento A’s and San Francisco Giants using the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system in spring training, and what could it mean for regular-season games?

#4 How are fans reacting to the high turnout of Padres fans spring training coverage at the Arizona Cactus League this year, and what does it suggest about fan engagement heading into the 2026 season?

#5 What was it like to see the New York Yankees Aaron Judge sitting in a Team USA uniform that he will wear for the WBC?

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

Victor Bericoto

Giants report: Outfielder Victor Bericoto making strong impression in spring training

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Photo credit: MLB.com

By Vince Cestone

As it always seems to be in spring training, there’s one player who you least expect that makes a strong impression. And for the San Francisco Giants, that player is non-roster invitee Victor Bericoto.

Bericoto has been making loud contact all spring. He is 8-for-14, with two home runs. He is a long shot to make the team when they go north, but you never know if one of the Giants’ main outfielders suffers an injury. If that happens, Bericoto may have his shot on Opening Day if he keeps up his successful spring training at the plate.

The Giants signed Bericoto as an international free agent out of Venezuela in 2018. He cost the Giants $25,000. During that time, the Giants also signed current roster member Luis Matos and former Giants infielder Marco Luciano, who is now in the New York Yankees organization.

Before Monday’s game, Bericoto had 9 RBIs in seven games, with an impressive 1.642 OPS. His most impressive season in the minors came in 2023, where he hit 27 home runs and had a .272 batting average in 122 games. Bericoto’s 456 at-bats were split between the Eugene Emeralds (High-A affiliate) and the Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A affiliate). He had a solid combined .840 OPS that season.

Bericoto was in Triple-A Sacramento last season, only hitting .196 in 46 at-bats. He had one home run and a double but did not draw a walk in his Triple-A stint. He probably will start 2026 in Sacramento, unless he continues his hot-hitting spring and the Giants decide otherwise.

Even though it’s spring training, Bericoto hit a grand slam against the Dodgers on Friday which will always get attention even if the games don’t count. His two home runs leads the team in that category.

Bericoto, 24, is a converted catcher who plays left field, right field, and also some first base. It will be interesting to see where he ranks in MLB Pipeline’s top 30. That list has not yet been released in 2026.

This is Bericoto’s fifth spring training with the Giants. He could be an intriguing option if he’s on the Opening Day roster at Oracle Park. Opening Day is March 25 against the New York Yankees.

A’s Defeat Reds 12-4 as Rotation Competition Heats Up

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Mandatory Photo Credit: Athletics on X

By Jeremiah Salmonson

MESA, ARIZONA — The Athletics were in session for some more Cactus League action on Sunday afternoon at Hohokam Stadium. The A’s defeated the Reds in resounding fashion 12-4 on Sunday in the matinee affair.

The A’s had rotation hopeful J.T. Ginn go for them on the mound in what was his second start of the spring. In his first start, Ginn was solid, going two innings of no-hit, no-walk baseball and striking out three.

On Sunday, Ginn impressed again as he tossed three innings of no-run, no-hit baseball as he struck out two and walked two in the outing. Ginn, who has had control issues at times, certainly wasn’t happy with the two walks. However, limiting the damage and keeping the Reds off the board certainly had to be a good feeling.

“I just think he built off his last outing,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said after the game to the media. “Obviously velo might’ve been a tick less this outing that’s going to happen in spring training, but really, really we were hoping he’d get three full innings. He did and got a little work in, there was a little test there. He had to pitch out of the stretch for the first time. So all in all I think it was a good outing for J.T.”

Ginn, who was in and out of the A’s rotation last season, looks to cement himself a rotation spot for an A’s club who certainly has a few spots in limbo. Jeffrey Springs, Luis Severino, and offseason acquisition Aaron Civale certainly will slot into the top three rotation spots come the season. Jacob Lopez, who is recovering from an elbow strain from last season, is expected to be ready for Opening Day and will almost certainly command attention for a rotation spot to begin the year.

For guys like Ginn, that leaves the last two spots up for grabs in the Athletics rotation come the end of March and the beginning of the season. Luis Morales, J.T. Ginn, and Jacob Lopez all seem to be the favorites to fill those final two spots as guys like Jack Perkins and Mason Barnett seem to be on the outside looking in that conversation. Luis Morales seems to be the odds-on favorite around camp to fill the A’s fourth spot, which leaves Ginn and Lopez to fill the fifth and final spot. Ginn’s efforts on Sunday certainly furthers his case for consideration if he can keep up his performance through spring.

In Sunday’s game on the offensive side, the A’s bats woke up and flipped the script after their poor performance on Saturday.

The A’s tallied 11 hits and scored 12 runs on Sunday in a breakout game that saw some of the A’s mainstays get going. A’s All-Star shortstop Jacob Wilson tallied a hit and reached base twice in three at-bats as Nick Kurtz recorded a walk in the contest. A’s starting catcher Shea Langeliers was 2-2 with a hit by pitch and three RBIs in the game as he hit a two-run homer and an RBI double in the game.

I asked Mark Kotsay after the game his thoughts on how locked in Shea looked at this point in the spring.

“When I saw Shea for the first time this spring, I felt like he was right where he needed to be building off last season. So I think a lot of our starters, a lot of our guys that you’re going to see play every day when the season starts, look good.”

The A’s continue camp this week prior to a trip to their near-future home in Las Vegas where they will play the weekend of the 6th in Las Vegas, where the Aviators play their home games.

To open the week, the A’s will travel to Peoria to take on the San Diego Padres at 12:10 p.m. PST as the A’s will send Mason Barnett to the hill.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Giants Defeat A’s 8-2 as Morales Struggles in Spring Start

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Mandatory Photo Credit: Athletics on X

By Jeremiah Salmonson

MESA, ARIZONA — The Athletics welcomed the San Francisco Giants to Mesa on Saturday afternoon for the A’s seventh game of the spring. The Giants, led by strong pitching and timely offense, defeated the A’s 8-2 on Saturday.

One of the A’s main focuses this spring has to be on their pitching corps heading into opening day. The A’s already have what is certainly considered one of the more feared lineups in baseball this season. The real question is with the pitching staff. Can the A’s piece together a bullpen good enough to keep them in contention in 2026? During the A’s struggles in May, the bullpen posted the worst ERA in the league, over the 8.00 mark. Granted, the bullpen pitched much better later in the season, but the damage was done.

The key in many ways for the Athletics going into 2026 will be the pitching staff.

On Saturday, the potential woes for the A’s pitching staff were on full display.

The A’s started the game with projected rotation hopeful Luis Morales.

Morales struggled in his outing, with his initial appearance lasting one and a third innings, as he gave up four runs on five hits while walking one and striking out one. Morales was lifted for Eduarniel Nunez to finish the second inning. Nunez did so, allowing two runs on one hit in two-thirds of an inning of work. In a rare move you don’t see all that often, A’s manager Mark Kotsay elected to go back to Morales for the third inning. Morales gave up another hit and another walk and recorded just one more out in his outing. As the dust settled on his outing, Morales finished going one and two-thirds innings, allowing four runs on six hits while striking out two and walking two.

After the game, Mark Kotsay spoke his thoughts regarding Morales’s start.

“Just lack of fastball command really,” Kotsay said. “He left a lot of balls up, breaking balls up. I still feel like it’s early. I definitely want to get that pitch count up. That’s the reason to take him out and put him back out there. I think the biggest thing for Luis is going to be being able to get ahead of hitters with his fastball and be able to locate it.”

Like Kotsay said, it’s certainly early in the spring. Morales has many more opportunities this spring to get himself right, and the A’s will give him all the opportunities to do just that.

The A’s staff after Nunez pitched pretty well. A few base hits aside, the A’s held the Giants off the board until the eighth inning, as JJ Goss, Tyler Ferguson, Hogan Harris, Scott Barlow, and Justin Sterner all had scoreless outings through the seventh inning.

In the eighth, Kade Morris came on for the A’s and struggled. Kade worked the eighth and ninth innings, giving up two runs on four hits while striking out one and walking one. It was the A’s lone blemish for the pen after the rough start to the game for the A’s pitching staff.

On the offensive side of the ball, the A’s also struggled.

The A’s didn’t get their first hit of the game until a fourth-inning Tyler Soderstrom single.

In terms of scoring runs, the A’s managed two runs in the game; one run came in the seventh and the other in the ninth for the A’s. Michael Stefanic had an RBI single in the seventh inning, and Cade Marlowe scored on a throwing error in the ninth inning. Those two plays were the only runs the A’s would score in the game. The Giants outhit the A’s 15-8 in the game, as the A’s failed to secure their second win of the spring, falling to 1-6 in Arizona.

The A’s will stay home to take on the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday at 1 p.m. MST at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa.