For the second straight start, A's right-hander Mike Fiers couldn't make it out of the second inning. This time, however, it was due to an injury.
Fiers left Saturday's game in Texas after 1 2/3 innings with right arm nerve irritation. The 34-year-old recorded the first two outs of the second inning before allowing a single to Danny Santana. Following a balk, A's manager Bob Melvin and trainer Nick Paparesta came out to examine Fiers, who was seen rubbing his forearm.
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SIGN UP HERE Fiers temporarily stayed in the game, allowing a two-run home run to Rougned Odor and a walk to Delino DeShields. His fastball velocity fell from 91-92 mph to 87-88 mph in those at-bats.
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Fortunately, the A's have stockpiled some impressive depth in their starting rotation, with Sean Manaea, Tanner Roark, Chris Bassitt, Homer Bailey, and Brett Anderson all pitching well, in addition to Fiers.
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Still, Fiers has been Oakland's best starter for most of the season, going 14-4 with a 4.09 ERA. If he is forced to miss time, it would be a significant blow to the A's down the stretch.
