Triggs rebounds in bid for rotation job
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Andrew Triggs reasserted a strong claim to one of Oakland’s final two starting pitcher spots Wednesday.
Triggs, who entered the spring as one of the favorites for a rotation spot, was coming off a rough start against the Indians in which he allowed five hits, two walks and six runs, all earned. Against the White Sox, however, he gave up only one hit through the first four innings (three overall) in Oakland’s 5-3 win.
“Last time my fastball command wasn’t great. That’s kind of par for the course for the spring. You’re going to have one of those,” Triggs said. “More of a concerted effort (Wednesday) to get the changeup rocking and rolling, and it’s on its way.”
He left the game with Oakland leading 4-1, but was charged with a second earned run when reliever Ryan Madson gave up an RBI double to Melky Cabrera.
“He was outstanding, especially with a lineup with seven lefties,” catcher Stephen Vogt said of Triggs, noting that his only mistake with a changeup came on Yolmer Sanchez’s leadoff homer in the fifth.
The other candidates for last two rotation spots are Jesse Hahn and Raul Alcantara. Alcantara, who is out of options, will start Thursday against the Brewers. Scouts have been watching him closely throughout the spring.
Manager Bob Melvin said he thought Triggs had “his best outing so far ... his best command, sharpest breaking ball, good movement on his fastball.”
Spirit Week: The A’s are all about emphasizing their commitment to Oakland and the East Bay this year, with another example set for next week, when “Oakland A’s Spirit Week” commences.
Among the events are a flag raising at City Hall at noon Monday, the unveiling of an A’s mural at the corner of 19th and Webster at 6 p.m. Tuesday (followed by a happy hour at Bar 355); free coffee at Peet’s (1111 Broadway) from 8 to 9 a.m. Wednesday; and a trek on BART to AT&T Park on Thursday with Stomper and members of the front office that includes a free round-trip BART pass while supplies last for ticketholders (arrive at the plaza between the Coliseum and the arena between 4:30-5:15 p.m.)
A fun twist: at all Spirit Week events, including the April 1 Bay Bridge Series game at the Coliseum, fans can trade in a Giants cap for a brand-new A’s cap.
Gray update: Sonny Gray (lat strain) said he made 20 throws at a distance of 60 feet and 15 at a distance of 75 feet on Tuesday and everything felt good. He was scheduled for a similar throwing session Wednesday.