Rangers at Athletics
The Oakland Athletics had plenty of roster turnover during the offseason, but some things haven’t changed a bit. The Athletics are 2-1 heading into Thursday’s series finale against the visiting Texas Rangers thanks largely to a starting rotation that appears to be in midseason form.
While Oakland has limited the Rangers to three runs in the series, the Rangers’ starters have failed to pitch past the fifth inning in two of the three games. Texas left fielder Ryan Rua has struck out in each of his last six at-bats after earning a starting job with a strong spring training, while third baseman Adrian Beltre is hitless in his first 11 at-bats. The Rangers’ struggles extend to their defense, where shortstop Elvis Andrus already has committed four errors, including two in Wednesday’s 10-0 loss. Oakland took command early when rookie Mark Canha hit a bases-loaded double as part of a five-run third inning.
TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), CSN California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Nick Martinez (2014: 5-12, 4.55 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Kendall Graveman (2014: 0-0, 3.86)
Martinez used an impressive spring training to beat out Nick Tepesch and Lisalverto Bonilla for the final spot in the Rangers’ rotation. The 24-year-old struggled as a rookie last season while making 24 starts but finished strong with a 2-2 mark and 2.29 ERA over his final six outings. Martinez was 1-1 with a 2.53 ERA in four games (three starts) against Oakland last season, including a 4-0 loss in the Rangers’ season finale.
Expectations are high for Graveman following a spring training that saw the 24-year-old post a 3-1 record with a 0.36 ERA in six starts. “He’s got impressive stuff,” catcher Stephen Vogt told SFGate.com. “A lot of movement late, good arm motion. The stuff is electric.” Acquired from Toronto in November as part of the Josh Donaldson deal, Graveman began last season at the Single A level before making five relief appearances in September.
WALK-OFFS
1. Oakland sent OF Billy Burns to Triple-A Nashville and designated OF Alex Hassan for assignment to make room for OF Cody Ross, who made his Athletics debut Wednesday.
2. Texas has recorded two extra-base hits and no home runs while being outscored 19-3 through its first three games.
3. OF Josh Reddick (oblique) will play in a rehab game for High-A Stockton on Thursday and is expected to rejoin the Athletics on Saturday.