PT TOMORROW: AL West—Growing pains

Oakland Athletics

The departure of their rotation ace and two best RPs via trades have left huge problems in their wake that are slowly becoming apparent. The A's have coughed up 68 runs over their last 11 games against bottom-tier MLB offenses (SF, LAA, TOR, MIN)—and things don't get any easier from here with an immediate schedule in which more potent offenses (HOU, BAL, SEA) predominate. Notwithstanding newcomer Blake Treinen's 2H performance, the bullpen's YTD 4.71 ERA (now minus both Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson) speaks volumes, but the short-term outlook for a young and inexperienced rotation may be even worse.

The A's actually have benefited recently from the surprising debut-to-date of Paul Blackburn (RHP, OAK) and his 2.60 ERA...

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

CJ Kayfus had a bad night in left field on Sunday. Could it hurt his playing time going forward? Plus, a look at early lineups in CHW and DET, the closer situation in KC, and positional flexibility for the Twins C.J. Culpepper.
Apr 2 2026 3:05am
With Bryan Abreu's early season struggles, is there a change to be made at closer in Houston?
Apr 1 2026 3:05am
Jesús Sánchez (pictured) and Nathan Lukes are jockeying for at-bats in left field for Toronto. Plus, more fallout from the first weekend of action in 2026.
Mar 31 2026 3:05am
This week's NL West column answers the lineup questions we posed at the beginning of spring training.
Mar 28 2026 3:05am
Opportunities abound for young interesting players in the National League Central.
Mar 27 2026 3:05am

Tools