The A’s entered the year knowing that the Astros would be tough to beat. It should come as no surprise, then, that the Astros currently sit 14.5 games ahead of the A’s entering Monday.
Bob Melvin and his crew, however, expected slightly better results this year. Injuries and lack of production from several veterans have contributed to the A’s troubling season.
As a result of the team’s less than perfect start, the A’s cut ties with pitching coach Curt Young and designated Trevor Plouffe for assignment last week.