CLICK HERE if you are having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device
MESA, Ariz. — There’s no better time for Frankie Montas to battle to make the Athletics’ starting rotation.
The right-hander was a huge part of the A’s playoff run last year. He compiled a 3.88 ERA in 11 starts and displayed the best command of his career. But perhaps more important than a solid 2018 performance is baseball’s contractual restrictions.
Put simply, Montas is out of minor league options. The A’s would have to place the pitcher on waivers and risk losing him if he fails to make the big-league roster.
It’s unlikely a pitcher like Montas, who at 25 is still young with a fastball near triple digits, could sneak through the waiver process. So the A’s are going to give him every chance to succeed.
“You’d hate to lose a guy that’s as talented as him,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said. “We hope he has a good camp and somehow we can keep him.”
Montas made a good impression in his first Cactus League outing with two shutout innings in Monday’s 4-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. He escaped a bases-loaded jam in the second to became the first A’s pitcher to not allow a run over a start this spring.
“He used to be a guy who relied on his fastball and today he had a good breaking ball and split,” Melvin said. “I think that’s going to serve him well. He looked confident on the mound. I liked it.”
Montas has made some changes to give him a better chance of making the rotation. First, he is using a slider more than last year to help vary the speed of his pitches. Then Montas tested a splitter Monday.
Six of his 34 pitches were splitters, including a strikeout of David Peralta to end the first inning.
“I’ve been working on it all spring,” Montas said. “Even in the offseason, I was working on it. Just trying to add something else to my stuff.”
The idea to add the pitch was a joint decision by Montas and pitching coach Scott Emerson. Montas experimented with the splitter during bullpen sessions last season but made the commitment to utilize it this offseason.
Montas used a two-seam fastball and slider as his primary pitches last season. He hopes the slider can help him keep hitters guessing for longer periods of time over the course of a start.
“I just feel like adding something else will help me,” Montas said. “The hitters will have to worry about three pitches now.”
Four pitchers probably are vying for one starting rotation spot. Montas and Chris Bassitt might have an advantage based on their 2018 campaigns. The others are Paul Blackburn and top prospect Jesus Luzardo.
Montas understands his predicament perfectly. He has gone from a promising prospect acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Rich Hill and Josh Reddick in 2016 to a pitcher on the bubble.
But he’s ready to fight for roster spot whether it is in the rotation or bullpen.
“Everyone that comes to spring training has to prove themselves,” Montas said. “It’s a tough spot for me but I don’t really think about it. I’m just going to come in and compete. Whatever they decide is their decision and I’ll try to help the team with whatever I can do.”
— Khris Davis (left calf strain) took batting practice and got some at-bats in a simulated game at the A’s minor league complex Monday.
“He felt good,” Melvin said. “But again, we’re not in a rush with him.”
Matt Chapman also played in the simulated game and is expected to make his spring debut for the A’s Tuesday as the designated hitter.
— A’s starting pitchers seem to be getting on track. In addition to Montas’ scoreless outing, Blackburn also looked impressive.
The right-hander turned in two scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and no walks with three strikeouts.
“He got the ball down after allowing the first hit and pitched pretty well after that,” Melvin said. “Much better than his first outing.”
— Franklin Barreto extended his hit streak to three games after going 1 for 3 with a walk. His Cactus League batting average is .444.
— Dustin Fowler launched his first home run of the spring — a solo shot to right field off Matt Andriese to put the A’s ahead 2-0 in the fourth.
Probably on the outside looking in as the roster currently stands, Fowler is doing his best to impress the club early on in spring. He’ll get some time at all three outfield spots this spring after primarily playing center field for most of his career.
“He’s been swinging the bat really good in batting practice,” Melvin said. “His at-bats are really good right now. He’s flattened his swing out a bit and made some adjustments. He’s feeling pretty confident.”
