Elephant Rumblings: Padres up next

MLB news roundup

Happy Thursday A’s fans!

Enjoying the first week of spring? So are we here at Athletics Nation. We’ve seen our A’s win a few games while the pitching has looked good early in camp. Most of the expected arms that should break camp with the club haven’t gotten hit hard in their first tune up of the season. The week is almost over and there is a long ways to do until Opening Day on March 27th.

Today we got a contest with the San Diego Padres, which will be the second time these two have crossed paths this spring. The A’s kicked off their spring schedule against the Padres and lost that game by a 10-3 final. We don’t usually see the Friars but if you haven’t been keeping up they’re a loaded squad. If the Los Angeles Dodgers weren’t in their division they would be hands-down favorites to win the division because they have stars littered throughout their roster. Luckily the Athletics don’t have to share a division with them.

Today’s matchup is tentatively scheduled to be a matchup between free agent acquisition Luis Severino and Padres righty Matt Waldron. This will be Severino’s first game action donning the Green & Gold so this will be a day of firsts for him and the team. They handed out a huge contract to the right-hander this offseason and it would be great to see him get off to a good start with his new club. Nothing is set in stone but one would have to think that given the money he’s being paid, Severino will be taking the ball in Seattle to kick off the regular season for the A’s. It’s no guarantee though and he’ll need to start earning that honor today with a solid outing. The first of many starts for Severino in an Athletics uniform. Anyone know of any nicknames? Sevy?

Have an excellent day everyone.

A’s Coverage:

• Athletics defeat Mariners 8-5
• Could The #8 Or #9 SP Be The A’s Ace In The Hole?
• Estes, Spence among ‘friendly’ rotation competition after strong spring debuts
• Who else could the A’s look to extend? ($)

MLB News & Interest:

• Ohtani to make spring debut vs. Angels
• Bryce Harper exits after HBP, expected to be ok
• Former A’s closer Liam Hendricks fired up in first Red Sox action, even if it’s only spring
• Astros’ Altuve set for debut in LF
• The Other Outfielder The White Sox Would Love To Trade
• Each team’s top power hitting prospect for 2025
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Some highlights from yesterday’s box score:

That’s kinda cool:

He’ll play like an All-Star until he gets hurt: