Athletics Report: Jeffrey Springs Settling In
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Mar 11) — The Athletics bowed to the San Francisco Giants, 5–3, on a blustery Tuesday afternoon at Scottsdale Stadium. Left-hander Jeffrey Springs improved his fastball command in his start but is not yet satisfied. Additionally, outfielder Drew Avans hit safely and scored a run in his third straight game.
Performance of Jeffrey Springs
Springs lasted 4 1/3 innings, facing 20 batters. He allowed three earned runs on seven hits, walking one and striking out five. Manager Mark Kotsay said of his performance, “I thought he was really good today. First Ball, the double in the first inning — the wind was howling pretty good. On a normal day. I think that falls in for an out. Then Schumann losing the ball (in the sun), I think (Springs) gave up one run that was earned, really.
“I thought the stuff was good. The fastball had life today. (Velocity) was up a tick. He pitched off that. If you ask him, he’s probably going to say that he wasn’t great, but I liked what I saw.”
Springs said he felt “pretty good” overall. A priority for him was fastball command, something he feels he hasn’t executed well in his last two outings. “I’m trying to get that back,” he said, “because I’m not someone who walks a lot of people.” He liked that he got into the fifth inning but is still not satisfied with his first-inning efficiency. “First inning I’ve been throwing too many pitches,” he commented. “Still trying to cut that down.”
Drew Avans
Outfielder and non-roster invite Drew Avans singled, stole a base, and scored in the eighth inning. He last played Sunday in the Athletics’ 7–5 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, going 2-for-4 with a homer. Avans also hit safely Saturday against the Colorado Rockies, going 1-for-4 with a double.
Avans, 28, was in the Dodgers’ system between 2018 and 2024. Kotsay said of his recent performance, “Really impressed with Drew. He came with a lot of praise from his Dodgers crew, especially (manager) Dave Roberts. He’s a baseball player, has instincts. You saw the ability to steal bases. He goes after it from the standpoint of playing defense out there. Intangibles, all of it — the makeup is there. He’s showing us why he wants to be on this roster.”
Looking Ahead
The Athletics continue their Cactus League slate Wednesday afternoon, when they will host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Osvaldo Bido will start for the Athletics against Ryne Nelson of the Diamondbacks in a duel of right-handers. First pitch at Hohokam Stadium will be at 1:05 pm Arizona Time.
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