PT TOMORROW: AL West—At a crossroads?

Oakland Athletics

Even with a 41-38 record at the halfway point and some recent AL West race tightening, the 80-game PED suspension of de facto ace Frankie Montas and loss of closer Blake Treinen (strained rotator cuff) will have a sobering effect on a front office now considering a less likely postseason birth. We'd previously noted the unraveling bullpen in this space. But now Montas's absence, coupled with oft-injured Sean Manaea's latest hiccup (oblique) during shoulder surgery rehab, projects a highly suspect rotation for the balance of 2019, particularly given the likelihood of managing the 2H workloads of injury returnees (and inexperienced) Jesús Luzardo and A.J. Puk. Simply put, the odds of the organization now being...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

Max Scherzer is among several AL East pitchers whose recent returns to the mound could have ripple effects on their team's rotation plans.
Mar 10 2026 3:05am
With a number of position battles still underway in the NL West, extra spring training reps for competing players may be the difference between a regular role in the show and a possible trip back to the minors.
Mar 7 2026 3:10am
It's time for the World Baseball Classic; who will see more playing time while players represent their countries in the tournament?
Mar 6 2026 3:05am
Sal Perez's absence for the WBC could mean it's Carter Jensen's time to shine in Royals camp. Plus, looks at WBC impacts on all AL Central rosters.
Mar 5 2026 3:10am
With players leaving camp to play in the WBC, who could gain some playing time increases in the AL West?
Mar 4 2026 3:10am

Tools