Rough day for Gray and son
MESA, Ariz. — Sonny Gray didn’t have a terrific outing on Saturday, allowing eight hits and six runs, five earned, in the A’s 7-6 win over the Reds, but the damage was mostly groundball singles and one freakish double by Billy Hamilton, a chopper that took a high hop over Mark Canha at first.
No cause for alarm, and the A’s All-Star starter said via text that he was just a little tired.
Manager Bob Melvin said Gray was tired before he even got to the ballpark. His 1-year-old, Gunnar, had kept him up, and he also was the reason Gray took off before the media had a chance to speak to him. “Gunnar was screaming in the car,” Gray texted after the A’s told reporters he had declined to speak.
“He had a long morning. He didn’t have the same energy on the mound, but we were looking for six ups from him and 70 pitches and that’s what we got,” Melvin said. “It was apparent to me that he didn’t have the life he usually has, and about now is usually the ‘dead arm’ stage.”
Gray, a Gold Glovecaliber defensive player, also made an error. “He got his one error every four years out of the way,” catcher Stephen Vogt said.
“He was just a little out of sorts today,” Melvin said.
Danny Valencia also made an error that led to an unearned run, and Vogt blamed himself for a wild pitch that contributed to a two-run inning.
“That’s my fault. I’ve got to block that pitch,” Vogt said. “I’m not thrilled with my performance, either, but the good news is, it’s early and we know what to continue to work on.” Vogt, Doolittle do it all: The A’s always value versatility, and now they have a catcher and a reliever who can double as ad copy writers. Vogt and Sean Doolittle suggested and helped script two of the A’s TV ads, “Unflinching Trust” and “Meetings, Meetings,” and Doolittle’s girlfriend, comedy writer Eireann Dolan, helped pen a third commercial, “Social Media Graduation.”
The highlight of this year’s ads is “Fireworking,” featuring Vogt’s interpretive dance routine for Fireworks Night.
One ad is for Sean Doolittle Metallica Gnome Night. A’s vice president of sales and marketing Jim Leahey said the team is trying to get Metallica to attend that April 30 game. Short stop: Jed Lowrie always voices strongly how much he’d prefer to stay at one position, but, Melvin said, Lowrie probably will play some shortstop this spring.
“Just don’t tell him that yet,” Melvin said with a smile.
Lowrie is adjusting to second base, a position he hasn’t played full time since college, but it’s more than likely he also will be the A’s backup shortstop. Projected utility player Chris Coghlan does not play shortstop. Briefly: Henderson Alvarez (shoulder surgery) threw a bullpen session and added in his changeup with his fastball. He’ll first face hitters when the A’s return to the Bay Area at the end of the month. … With Rich Hill starting a minor-league game Sunday to avoid the A’s season-opening opponents, top prospect Sean Manaea will start against the White Sox.