Athletics reliever Tyler Ferguson makes major league debut in blowout loss

Despite a solid effort from the typically lackluster offense, the Oakland Athletics got pummeled by the Texas Rangers this afternoon, losing 15-8.

Starter Ross Stripling took the brunt of the damage, giving up 11 runs on 10 hits and 2 walks while failing to make it out of the second inning. Just 5 of the 11 runs Stripling gave up were earned but it was a dismal effort overall.

Marcus Semien led off the game with a first pitch home run and the Rangers never looked back. They were able to plate 10 runs in the second inning alone, chipping away at Stripling and breaking the game wide open early on.

Hogan Harris came in and pitched admirably in relief. He allowed 4 runs in the 4th but threw 5.1 innings total and limited the damage outside of that one poor inning.

RHP Tyler Ferguson makes major league debut

Righty Tyler Ferguson got to come in and make his major league debut, throwing 2 scoreless innings while allowing a hit and two walks and striking out three.

Ferguson was added to the roster this morning after the A's optioned reliever Dany Jimenez to Triple-A Las Vegas. The righty spent 9 years bouncing around the minor leagues without a call up. He finally got the opportunity this afternoon and delivered.

As for the offense, Kyle McCann hit his 3rd home run of the year today. He's now up to .393/.485/.750 in 33 plate appearances, He's shown strong plate discipline, good power, and he's a solid defensive catcher as well.

At the rate McCann is playing, he could be pressing Shea Langeliers for the bulk of the playing time behind the plate before the year is over.

Third baseman Brett Harris went 0-3 again but did draw 2 walks today and didn't record a strikeout. He's looking like a capable defender, so if he can get the bat figured out, he could be a significant piece moving forward.

On a down note, shortstop Darell Hernaiz left the game with what the Athletics are calling an ankle injury. He tripped over first base while running out a ground ball and was replaced by Max Schuemann at short. Hernaiz is scheduled for an MRI on Wednesday, and it'll be bad news if he needs a trip to the IL.

The Athletics are back at it again with a scheduled doubleheader tomorrow. The first of the two games is scheduled for 12:37 pm PDT, with the second game to follow.