Blackburn, Montas impress in rotation battle

MESA, Ariz. -- The A’s have a rotation spot up for grabs and at least five pitchers who want it. Two were on the mound Saturday, making their latest case for the job.

Paul Blackburn got things going with three scoreless innings, and Frankie Montas took his turn later in the day, putting up zeroes in the final three innings to close out a 1-0 victory over the Indians.

Just a day before, Aaron Brooks produced similar results over four innings. Chris Bassitt, too, has impressed, despite allowing three runs in as many innings this spring. He reached 96 mph while flashing a 70-mph curveball in his latest showing.

Then there’s top prospect Jesus Luzardo, who can’t yet be counted out. The supremely talented lefty has minimal Triple-A experience but continues to impress each time out on the mound.

But only one member of this quintet will be asked to join a staff that already includes Mike Fiers, Marco Estrada, Brett Anderson and Daniel Mengden.

“All these guys are pitching for something, and it’s good,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said. “You don’t want no competition. When these guys have to perform, it kind of adds to Spring Training in a time that can be a little mundane. We like ‘em all.”

The decision will likely be dictated by options. Minor League options, that is. Montas and Brooks don’t have any left, which seemingly gives them an edge. Should one or both be left off the roster, the A’s would be at risk of losing them to waivers.

Bassitt, Blackburn and Luzardo, meanwhile, could freely be sent to Triple-A without any ramifications, so it makes sense for the A’s to stash them there when the season opens to maintain their depth.

Blackburn, who saw limited action in 2018 because of two stints on the disabled list, has not walked a batter in five innings this spring. On Saturday, he held the Indians to two hits with one strikeout across three frames.

“He looked by far the best, his bullpens, anything,” Melvin said. “Good life in his arm today. Ball was moving late, had a good breaking ball. Looked like when we’ve seen him pitch really well in Oakland. This was a different guy for me.”

Blackburn, coincidentally, didn’t feel his best but was obviously happy with the results, particularly given what’s at stake.

“You can look around and see starter, starter, starter, and guys have been piggybacking lately,” Blackburn said. “You know you have your veteran guys that have their spots, but that’s just something you can’t control.”

Montas, working with a new split-finger fastball this year, struck out two and worked around two hits in his time on the mound. The A’s will consider him as a relief option -- a familiar role for him -- should he ultimately not fit into the rotation plans.

“For sure,” Melvin said. “He’s done both, and I think he has the ability to do both. He’s impressed us this camp. He’s come up with a different pitch, he’s in better shape, looks like he’s really committed this year.

“At some point in time, he’d like to get a real chance at the big league level, and I don’t think he really cares whether it’s starting or relieving.”

Worth Noting

• Right-hander James Kaprielian, who has been sidelined with a lat strain, was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Saturday. Pitchers Parker Dunshee, Tyler Alexander and A.J. Puk, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, were also reassigned to Minor League camp as part of the first round of spring cuts.

• Khris Davis is getting closer to game action. The A’s slugger, slowed this spring by a left calf strain, took part in running drills a second straight day Saturday. The team needs to see him on the bases without any issues before getting him in the lineup.

Up next

Marco Estrada will start on Sunday against the Angels. First pitch is set for 12:05 p.m. PT.