PT TOMORROW: AL West—Invaluable and undervalued?

Oakland Athletics

Suddenly a rotation that was expected to be a strength is becoming something else. Oft-injured A.J. Puk's shoulder strain leaves him questionable for most if not all of the abbreviated season. His rookie compadre Jesús Luzardo (LHP, OAK) was an early COVID diagnosis, tasked now with a slow rollout from the pen, and no changes (yet) following Puk's injury. And Sean Manaea (LHP, OAK) couldn't break 90 MPH with any of his pitches in a Monday July 20 start vs. SF—a concern in the wake of an ongoing velocity slide since his 2016 MLB debut, and his own injury history.

The upshot is a club that will have to lean on Mike Fiers (RHP, OAK), Chris Bassitt (RHP, OAK) and Daniel Mentgen (RHP, OAK) more than anticipated,...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

NL West: Díaz to see regular playing time in SD and early season bullpen usage around the NL West
Apr 3 2025 3:08am
How will Richard Fitts be affected by the expected returns of Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito? Plus, more injury and opening weekend fallout from the AL East.
Apr 2 2025 3:08am
With Josh Jung hurt again, does Jake Burger moving back to 3B make the most sense for the Rangers?
Apr 1 2025 3:09am
And where could the Pirates turn for saves if their late inning relievers continue to struggle?
Mar 29 2025 3:07am
With several outfielders starting the season on the IL, Javier Báez has been getting some center field reps in Detroit.
Mar 28 2025 3:08am

Tools