MESA, Ariz. – Sean Manaea was hammered by Cleveland Saturday, giving up five runs while getting just five outs.
A year ago, that might have spelled an early spring exit from the A’s starting rotation competition. But after spending about three-quarters of 2016 pitching every fifth day for Bob Melvin, Manaea can breathe easy.
Or as Melvin said, “he’s not a guy I worry about.”
Plugged into the rotation on April 29, Manaea went 7-9 as a rookie with a 3.83 ERA and 1.189 WHIP. The 6-foot-4 left-hander was at his best as the season deepened, going 3-3 with a 1.