It’s no secret that the A’s were light on starting pitching in 2018, and it’s not secret they’re light on starting pitching going into 2019. That’s fine and well due to an offseason that’s only just beginning, a strong bullpen full of arms, and stars on the other side of the ball. As we saw in 2018, the A’s don’t need to dominate with starting pitching to succeed.
Things are a little more complicated than they were a year ago though, and not just because Sean Manaea will pitch a half season at best. The A’s have an option problem.