Stephen Piscotty returns to Athletics starting lineup for first time since 2022

The Oakland Athletics are set to face off against the Padres this afternoon. First pitch is at 1:05 pm PST at Peoria Stadium.

For the first time since 2022, outfielder Stephen Piscotty will return to the A's starting lineup. The 33 year old will start in right field in his first appearance with the major league club this spring.

Piscotty spent the better part of five seasons in Oakland, playing for the Athletics from 2018 to midway through 2022. He was released after he struggled in the majors in '22 and was picked up by the Reds, who stashed him in Triple-A for the remainder of the year.

Prior to the 2023 season, Piscotty signed a minor league deal with the White Sox. He played in 51 games for Chicago's Triple-A affiliate where he hit .232 with a .720 OPS. His plate discipline was strong but he never earned a call up to the majors.

The Athletics brought Piscotty back on a minor league deal for 2024 and he's been in minor league camp for the past couple weeks. It'll be fun to see him back in an A's uniform. He's always been a fan favorite despite struggling in his last couple years with the organization.

In addition to Piscotty, prospect Armando Alvarez earns the start at third base. Alvarez has been on a tear this spring, hitting .438/.500/.625 across 12 games. He's not on the 40-man but if he keeps hitting like this, he will be sooner or later.

Tyler Soderstrom gets the start at first base. Maybe more than anyone else on the roster, Soderstrom needs to find his footing at the plate. His future as a catcher is in question, both because he's played poor defense back there and also because Shea Langeliers has proven to be a strong option for the A's. Soderstrom needs to start hitting or his roster spot might be in jeopardy.

Righty Ross Stripling is geared up to make his third spring appearance. Stripling got roughed up by the Brewers last time out. He'll look to get back on track against a good Padres offense this afternoon.

Stripling will face off against Joe Musgrove. The Padres righty dealt with shoulder issues last summer that limited him to just 17 starts. He hasn't looked good in his two spring appearances but this Athletics offense might prove to be the springboard he needs to straighten out.