Daulton Jefferies gives Oakland A’s reason for hope in first start

Daulton Jefferies had a tough assignment for his third career start. He was tasked with facing the Phillies, a team that had improved their lineup and has postseason aspirations. The Oakland A’s, meanwhile, are looking to find pieces for their future. Jefferies had a prime opportunity to make a strong impression for the upcoming season.

He did exactly that. Jefferies shut down the Phillies offense on Sunday, holding their impressive lineup to just two hits and two walks over five shutout innings, striking out two, getting the win in Mark Kotsay’s first victory as a manager. His day ended after 48 pitches, something that was completely understandable as he threw just 14 innings during spring training.

Daulton Jefferies shows promise for the future

Jefferies has been an intriguing prospect for the A’s. His excellent command and ability to pound the strike zone made him the type of arm that had a back of the rotation floor. If he was able to get more out of his stuff, Jefferies had the chance to be a Kyle Hendricks type of arm.

But he had not had as much success in the majors. The strikeouts have not been there as they were in the minors and he had occasionally struggled with his command. His outing on Sunday was hardly dominant, but Jefferies did throw 30 of his 48 pitches for strikes as he showed more intent in attacking the zone.

This bodes well for Jefferies moving forward. Having that much success against a strong lineup, such as the Phillies possess, has to be a confidence boost. Holding a team of that caliber scoreless, especially when the A’s rotation had struggled in the first two games, is a great sign.

Daulton Jefferies may not have pitched deep into Sunday’s contest, but he pitched well. The Oakland A’s have a reason to hope he is finally ready.