Oakland Athletics Roundup: Sonny Gray to Make Opening Day Start for A’s
Sonny Gray to Make Opening Day Start for Athletics
Oakland Athletics Roundup: Thursday, March 10
Following his Cactus League debut on Wednesday, the Oakland Athletics announced that Sonny Gray would, unsurprisingly, be the Athletics’ Opening Day starter. Of course, no one expected to hear differently, but all managers must make the official announcement at some point.
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On Wednesday, Gray pitched three frames of one-run baseball, striking out the first two batters he faced. Altogether, he struck out four of the 12 batters that he faced, giving up a trio of back-to-back hits in his second inning of work. Overall, it was a solid outing for the young right-hander.
When Gray takes the mound on April 4, it will be his third consecutive Opening Day start – a rarity among past Athletics’ aces. But Gray has certainly earned the honors. He came in third place in last year’s American League Cy Young Award contest, after posting a 2.73 ERA over 31 starts last season. His record of 14-7 and a lack of strikeouts in comparison to David Price and Dallas Keuchel were really the only knocks against him in his second full major league season.
Although Gray made just 10 starts in 2013, he was given the Opening Day nod the following season and posted a 3.08 ERA in 33 starts during 2014. Gray has legitimately been one of the top starters in the league for the past two years despite his age, and seems poised to continue that trend this season.
In Case You Missed It:
Sonny Gray Shines in Cactus League Debut – A recap of Wednesday’s game, which included outstanding outings from Felix Doubrant and Sean Doolittle, as well as a huge performance from the offense.
The Battle for an Outfield Position – Samantha Riley takes a look at the biggest decision that needs to be made this Spring Training: who will fill the Oakland Athletics’ outfield spots? Be sure to check out her thoughts here.
2016 Preview: John Axford – Melson Varsovia takes a look at John Axford, one of the Athletics’ off-season acquisition. Will the reliever fare better in the O.Co Coliseum than he did in Colorado?
#Athletics
Sonny Gray on his third consecutive Opening Day assignment: "It's pretty cool... I feel every year, you have to earn that spot." #athletics
— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) March 10, 2016
Melvin very happy with work Doubront, Sean Dolittle did today. Continues to be wowed by Chapman.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) March 9, 2016
On A's today. Their lineup. pic.twitter.com/54Guev790t
— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) March 10, 2016
Next: Swingin' A's Seeks New Writers For Upcoming Season
Around the Web
Oakland Athletics Prospects Chat – MLBTopProspects.com organized an A’s prospects discussion this week, featuring writers from various sites, including Swingin’ A’s. Who is the most underrated prospect in the A’s system? Which shortstop will reach the majors first? Check out the answers to these and other key questions here.