The Athletics just sent left-hander Joe Rock packing to Triple-A one day after his big-league debut, making room for right-hander Mason Barnett to start tonight against the Cleveland Guardians. Rock’s first taste of the majors was brutal: he couldn’t get any of the three Rays batters out, giving up a hit and two walks before leaving with the bases juiced. That’s a quick trip back to the minors, oof.
Barnett Gets Another Shot, But Can He Deliver?
Barnett’s getting the call up for his 19th game and fifth start of the season, and honestly, the numbers aren’t pretty. The 25-year-old has bounced between the majors and minors all year. He started out in relief, then got shoved into the rotation because of other pitchers’ injuries and struggles, where he promptly got shelled over four starts before heading back down. We’re talking a 1-4 record, a whopping 7.08 ERA, a 1.62 WHIP, and 38 strikeouts in 40 2/3 innings. This guy’s making his first career start against the Guardians, and with the A’s rotation in total flux, a strong outing tonight could be huge for him to snag another starting gig before the season wraps. On the other side, Cleveland is going with an opener, Daniel Espino, a former top prospect who fought through a string of injuries to finally reach the big leagues, working exclusively in relief due to that injury history.
Kotsay’s Lineup Is Raising Eyebrows
It really looks like A’s manager Mark Kotsay didn’t learn a thing from Thursday’s defensive meltdowns. Zack Gelof, a guy who clearly belongs on the infield dirt at third or second, is out there in left field. This is the *same* spot where he injured his knee chasing a fly ball in Detroit earlier this season! Why risk that again? Apparently, it’s to get another look at Tommy White, who’s not exactly a defensive wizard, at third base. And get this: Shea Langeliers is stuck as the designated hitter, leaving Jonah Heim, who’s been struggling both at the plate and behind it, to catch. Michael Stefanic is getting a rare start, but the real head-scratcher is Denzel Clarke. He’s the Athletics’ best defensive outfielder, had a single, a walk, and two stolen bases yesterday, and he’s *still* out of the starting lineup. Clarke needs playing time, especially after missing almost the entire season because of injuries. It’s just wild to bench your best defensive outfielder when your defense is already a question mark.
The A’s are looking to bounce back from that three-game sweep by Tampa Bay, and they have a chance to play spoiler tonight against a Cleveland team battling the White Sox for the American League Central division title. This series opener is a huge opportunity for Barnett to prove himself and for the A’s to mess with the AL Central race. Can they pull it off with this lineup? We’ll find out!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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