ARLINGTON, Texas — Raul Alcantara’s recent call up in September was thought to be more of a move to provide the A’s with more depth in the bullpen, but after a couple of strong showings as an emergency starter, his role could expand into something bigger.
Filling in for Jharel Cotton and Sean Manaea within the past two weeks, Alcantara has impressed manager Bob Melvin by turning in scoreless outings in both last-minute starts. Having been a starter for most of his career up until this season, the 24-year-old right-hander has positioned himself to at least compete for a role in the rotation this spring.