MESA, Arizona — Paul Blackburn entered A’s spring training camp in a similar spot as last year.
But this time the momentum feels different.
Blackburn, 25, is feeling strong a year after an elbow injury undermined his sophomore season with the A’s. It has fueled optimism that the right-handed pitcher can compete for a roster spot among perhaps four others.
“He’s definitely in the mix with all the other guys we talk about,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said. “When he’s been healthy he’s performed well for us.”
A year ago, Blackburn was coming off a storybook rookie season in the majors.