MESA, Ariz. — The A’s now have a gap at the top their starting rotation for the immediate future and Sean Manaea took a solid step Thursday toward showing he can help fill it.
Manaea struck out the first three batters he faced and allowed just three hits and one run over 3 2/3 innings in the A’s 12-5 win Thursday over the Cincinnati Reds at Hohokam Stadium. It’s the longest start this spring by an A’s pitcher and matches a Tuesday relief appearance by Raul Alcantara for Oakland’s longest outing.
“Focus was good. Pitches were coming out really good.