The A’s made some moves at the trade deadline, but one of their key acquisitions for the home stretch is someone who was neither traded for or signed, but rather a pitcher making his return.
Sean Manaea was 12-9 with a 3.59 ERA and hurled a no-hitter against the Red Sox a season ago and will be making his season debut Sunday against the Yankees. He made five starts for the Las Vegas Aviators, giving up a combined five runs in his final four starts at the Triple-A level.
Though the Yankees have a fearsome lineup that ranks second in runs per game, the A’s get the luxury of facing J.A. Happ, who has been giving up plenty of runs this season.
Despite an 11-8 record, the numbers show that he is a below-average starting pitcher, giving up 2.1 home runs per nine innings and posting a 5.57 ERA. The A’s have also had great success against lefties, ranking ninth in team batting average compared to 23rd against righties.
The A’s should be able to build off their recent success against the Yankees on Sunday and cash another nice ticket.
The play: A’s, +130.



