A’s Montas showing positive signs, will make his next scheduled start
OAKLAND — Things are heading in the right direction for A’s starter Frankie Montas, who reported no troubles a day after returning to the mound after dealing with shoulder inflammation.
Montas was feeling “normal post-pitching soreness,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay told reporters before Friday night’s series opener against Texas. Kotsay said his right-hander, who is a hot trade commodity, is “good to go” for his next start before the Aug. 2 deadline.
The A’s, however, haven’t yet listed a starting pitcher for any of the games in their three-game series at home against Houston beginning Monday.
Pitching for the first time since leaving his start on July 3 after just one inning because of a shoulder issue, Montas went three innings against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday. He was pulled after throwing 53 pitches and striking out five batters. Montas’ fastball on Thursday floated around 96-97 mph to begin the game and hovered around 94 mph.
He didn’t get a decision in Oakland’s 5-0 victory in the second game of the doubleheader.
Scouts across the league were in attendance Thursday to see how the 29-year-old Montas would fare in his return. As one of the more appealing starting pitchers available on the market, the expectation is that Montas will be dealt.
Meanwhile, the A’s are eager to get a first-hand look at another pitcher who just joined the roster.
Right-hander David McKay was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas in a move that included left-hander Domingo Tapia being sent back to Vegas.
The A’s are McKay’s third team this season, as he spent time back and forth between the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees. McKay, 27, was claimed off waivers by the A’s from the Rays on July 12. He did not allow a run in his two relief appearances for Las Vegas and has a combined 3.45 ERA in Triple-A this season.
However, McKay has not had much success at the big-league level this year — he’s given up four runs in four innings.
“Right now, we’re looking to get him into a role in the middle innings and assess from there, as all these guys have done, and kind of try to give them a softer landing spot if possible and build his confidence,” Kotsay said.
Zach Logue, who was the 27th man for the A’s doubleheader, was also optioned back to Triple-A .
Trainer’s room
Closer Dany Jiménez will have a 25-pitch bullpen session on Saturday and, if all goes well, will throw to batters on Tuesday, according to Kotsay. Jiménez has been nursing a strained right shoulder since June 19.
Infielder Jed Lowrie, who is on the injured list with a sprained left shoulder, looked good during live batting practice on Friday.
In addition, infielder/catcher Jonah Bride’s rehab is going well. He’s hitting .400 with a home run and three RBIs on his rehab assignment. He has been on the injured list since June 17 with a strained right shoulder.