A’s pitcher Jharel Cotton shows maturity in second spring start

Athletics pitcher Jharel Cotton throws against the Indians at Hohokam Stadium on Feb. 28 in Mesa, Az.PEORIA, Ariz. — Jharel Cotton served notice that he was close to being ready for a rotation spot when the A’s called him up last fall. The difference now is that he knows he can do it.

Cotton started and worked two innings Sunday in the A’s 5-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners Sunday at the Peoria Sports Complex. He gave up a run and two hits in throwing 43 pitches, walking two and striking out one.

“His stuff looks the same, but he seems more mature,” catcher Stephen Vogt said of Cotton, who came over from the Dodgers in the Rich Hill trade last season. The 25-year-old right-hander wants to…