Offense stalls again as Athletics fall flat against Dodgers
The Athletics couldn't muster up the offense to notch a win against the Dodgers
By Tim Smart
For the second straight day, the offense struggled to get up to speed as the Athletics lost to the Dodgers 4-2. Lefty Kyle Muller had a couple strong moments this afternoon, striking out three batters across two innings. He allowed a walk and a solo home run to Dodgers outfielder James Outman.
Muller is expected to start the year in the bullpen after struggling through the 2023 season. His first year in Oakland didn't go as planned but he has a good enough repertoire to inspire confidence in his ability to turn it around in 2024.
Fellow reliever Dany Jimenez pitched a scoreless inning and prospect Brady Basso earned his first spring appearance, notching his first strikeout in the process. Meanwhile, the newly acquired Miguel Andujar singled in his first plate appearance, one of just five Athletics batters to get a base knock in the affair.
The Athletics only runs came in the seventh inning. Hoy Park doubled off of righty Eliser Hernandez, bringing 2024 first round draft pick Jacob Wilson around to score. After a sacrifice fly from Armando Alvarez that got Park to third, Hernandez threw a wild pitch that got past Dodgers catcher Chris Okey that allowed Park to score.
On the fun side, brothers Zack and Jake Gelof got to share the major league field for the first time.
“He wouldn’t rather do anything else than play baseball, so it was super special to be there with him on his birthday playing baseball.”
— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) February 26, 2024
Zack and Jake Gelof shared a field for the first time as professionals in Sunday’s game between the A’s and Dodgers. https://t.co/VZKH21A4Pl
The latter was a second round pick by the Dodgers in the 2023 amateur draft. Jake played primarily at Single-A in his debut last season, posting a .225/.314/.433 slash line with good defense at third. Fangraphs has him as the Dodgers 24th ranked prospect heading into 2024.
Athletics fans are fully aware of older brother Zack's debut last year. As one of the most promising prospects in the Athletics system, Zack Gelof raked in the minors in 2023 and forced his way onto the major league roster. He excelled at second base, posting 14 homers and 14 steals in just 69 games.
The Athletics return to Hohokam Stadium in Mesa tomorrow to face off against the Diamondbacks at 12:05pm PST. Rule 5 pick Mitch Spence will make his debut against lefty Blake Walston.
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