The A's starting rotation will likely begin with veterans Mike Fiers and Marco Estrada. After those two, manager Bob Melvin could be shuffling an abundance of arms in Oakland.
Unless he turns to a 21-year-old sensation.
Jesus Luzardo isn't just the A's top prospect, he's also the top left-handed pitching prospect in all of baseball. Early in spring training, he's been nearly unhittable in big league camp, and that's not an exaggeration.
Through three appearances -- one start -- Luzardo has only allowed two hits over 5 2/3 innings. He's also struck out 10 batters to only three walks.
"The last time out, he looked as good as any starter we have for three innings," Melvin said to reporters on Wednesday. "He didn't give up a hit for a couple of innings, struck out three."
Melvin says the A's are closely monitoring Luzardo this spring. He's looked big league ready so far, but the skipper's biggest goal is to make sure he stays once he's brought up.
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"This is probably going to be a difficult decision toward the end," Melvin said.
Luzardo is likely to start in Triple-A Las Vegas so the organization can keep him under control for seven years instead of six (insert eye roll).
If they want to want to avoid a slow start to better their chances of a postseason run, though, put your trust in Jesus.
