MESA, Ariz. -- Daulton Jefferies was admittedly overwhelmed by the nerves he took to the mound at Globe Life Field last September for the A’s in his Major League debut, which led to a rough five-run first inning against the Rangers in what ended up his only appearance of the season.

Spring Training is not exactly where Jefferies can fully vindicate himself from that performance, but it does provide him with a chance to prepare for his next big league opportunity.

Drawing the start for the A’s in a 2-1 loss in Sunday's Cactus League opener against the Dodgers, Jefferies looked more true to form. The right-hander -- who is ranked Oakland’s No. 6 prospect and has long been heralded for his pinpoint command -- was efficient. He worked a scoreless first inning against the defending World Series champions, with seven of his nine pitches going for strikes.

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Walking off the mound with a fist bump, Jefferies said there was a small feeling of redemption after what had happened in his last outing against Major League hitters.

“There was a little bit [of celebrating],” Jefferies said. “Even though it’s the first inning of Spring Training. I probably shouldn’t be fist bumping. But I think it was just me being proud of myself and having the confidence to go out there and execute pitches without worrying about the result too much.”

In an effort to battle the first-inning jitters, Jefferies focused on his breathing to slow things down. It appeared to have worked, as he struck out Dodgers star Mookie Betts on three pitches to begin the game as part of a 1-2-3 frame.

“Going against that lineup, you have to be on top of your game, as any other lineup,” Jefferies said. “I think I just put more emphasis on knowing how to slow the game down when you’re facing big-name guys like that. It makes you feel like, no matter who is in the box, you’re in control of the game and yourself.”

Knowing it would be a short start as the A’s slowly build up his workload, Jefferies seemed to have a bit of extra velocity on his fastball, which topped out at 96 mph. He also threw a cutter and slider, the latter of which he is working to improve his ability to throw it for strikes on a more consistent basis to complement his already strong fastball and changeup.

Though Jefferies is likely to begin the regular season at Triple-A, getting the start in the club’s first spring game did carry significant meaning.

“It was a big honor, especially going against the Dodgers,” Jefferies said. “I just kind of put it in the perspective of that they have confidence in me to put me out there. I had a lot of fun. I was excited about it and I’m looking forward to my next experience.”

Reed shows off arm
For young players lower on the organization depth chart like Buddy Reed, the Cactus League is where they can put themselves on the big league club’s radar. Reed, Oakland’s No. 23 prospect, did just that in the second inning, showing off his strong arm from right field to nab Matt Beaty at home trying to score from second base on a single by Edwin Ríos.

Reed made a throw in the third inning that may have topped his assist in the second, catching a flyout by Betts before firing a laser to third base on a play where Zach McKinstry was ultimately ruled safe on a close call.

“We had seen him before and watched him throw,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said. “He played more center field than right for us, but he shows up on a great throw and makes another great throw to third. It didn’t surprise us, yet both were still impressive throws.”

Unable to play Minor League games last year, Reed said he took advantage of his time at the club’s alternate site in San Jose by working on all facets of his game. At his best, scouts have been impressed with Reed’s athleticism and believe he is capable of putting up 20-homer and 20-steal seasons. With the opportunity for more increased playing time this spring, the 25-year-old outfielder is out to impress.

“I just want to be a complete player,” Reed said. “I want to work my butt off each day, learn from the guys ahead of me in the big leagues, and hopefully, when I get my chance, not take it lightly.

“I’m coming here to win a job. All that hard work I’ve had so far will continue to progress in Spring Training.”

A’s enjoy a crowd
Sunday’s game was announced as a sellout, with 1,998 fans in attendance as part of the limited capacity allowed at Hohokam Stadium this spring. The lively crowd provided an extra spark for the A’s, who had grown used to playing in empty stadiums over the past year due to COVID-19 protocols.

“I don't think we realized how much we missed it,” Jefferies said. “Just really fun stuff that you [realize you] take for granted when you don't have fans around. Even though it’s like 20 percent capacity, it didn’t feel like it. Everyone was really loud and it was just a lot of fun. I think we underestimated how much we missed the crowd.”