MESA, Ariz. - The young A’s starting pitchers had an impressive stretch to open the Cactus League season.
At least until Sean Manaea took the mound Saturday.
The Indians took virtual batting practice against the left-hander, who coughed up five runs (four earned) on five hits (four doubles) in 1 2/3 innings and threw just two first-pitch strikes.
Manaea said a mechanical issue caused command issues with his changeup.
As for his fastball?
“I was just throwing it right down the middle,” he said.
It was a rare clunker for the rotation, which before Saturday had posted a 2.