MESA, Ariz. — We’re a week through Cactus League action and things have already changed a bit since our last roster prediction.
Facing actual batters and not just throwing bullpen sessions anymore, the battle for the final three spots in the starting rotation has officially gotten underway. So far it’s been a close competition, but not in a good way. A’s pitching in general has been pretty lackluster so far through seven games, posting a team ERA of 7.65, worst in MLB. Starting candidates Jharel Cotton, Paul Blackburn, Daniel Mengden, and Andrew Triggs have been inconsistent, and Daniel Gossett will be making his first spring appearance on Saturday after a back injury kept him out of action early on.