Before the start of spring training, A's general manager David Forst said he would weigh two factors in determining whether top prospect Jesús Luzardo would start the season in the big leagues.
"The decision will be whether he's one of our best five guys versus if it's better for him long term to get some Triple-A time," Forst said. "If he's good enough, there's no reason not to have him in the rotation."
After a phenomenal spring, the answer is clear. Luzardo is good enough. And then some.
The 21-year-old left-hander allowed only one earned run on six hits in 9 2/3 innings, striking out 15.