After generating some hype last season, the Athletics were looking to start the 2026 season on the right foot. Unfortunately, they drew the short end of the stick, facing off against the Toronto Blue Jays.
It proved to be a tough matchup, but the A’s made it a close one. They lost all three games, being outscored 11-16.
Offense was not much of a problem; it was the pitching staff that let this team down. The bullpen gave up the lead on Friday and Saturday, and that needs to be worked out.
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Shea Langeliers’ power surge wasted as A’s pitching staff struggles
While many were expecting a hot start from reigning AL Rookie of the Year Award winner Nick Kurtz, it was Shea Langeliers who stole the show. He blasted two home runs in their Friday loss and hit his third of the season on Saturday.
However, it does not matter who or how much offense the A’s can put up if the pitching staff does not look the part. The pitching concerns are still real, per Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter.
“A shaky start from Luis Morales and a pair of blown saves from the bullpen does nothing to ease concerns that the Athletics don’t have the pitching to back their stellar offense. Catcher Shea Langeliers went 6-for-12 with three home runs to open the year with a bang.”
The A’s will look to bounce back in their next series, but that may prove to be difficult. They face off against the Atlanta Braves, who started their season well.
They took two games from the Kansas City Royals, holding them to six runs during their first three games. This could be quite the test for the offense, but it will ultimately come down to how well the A’s pitching staff handles itself.