Athletics Option Rotation Pitcher After Rough Start Against Yankees

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Athletics Option Rotation Pitcher After Rough Start Against Yankees

Apr 22, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Athletics manager Mark Kotsay (7) talks with staff in the dugout following a batted ball that was trapped in the jersey of Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Logan Gilbert (36, not pictured) during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. The play was ruled a hit. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Dylan Quinn · Athletics On SI

Mon, Jun 1, 2026 ·

5 min read

Another Rotation Spot Opens

May 16, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics starting pitcher Luis Severino (40) throws a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

After the injuries to Luis Severino and Aaron Civale , the club will be looking to replace these spots in the rotation. Mark Kotsay discussed today that Severino could be out for even longer than we all expected.

This could mean the team will have to take a few starters from Las Vegas, or even consider the trade market, to replace these guys, since they could all be out of the rotation for an extended time.

It's certainly a big loss for the A's losing those three arms, considering that Severino and Lopez were two of the most reliable starters for the team last season. Aaron Civale joined the team this offseason and has also been super reliable to take the rock every five days and give quality starts for the Green and Gold.

As it stands, the team has J.T. Ginn , Gage Jump, and Jeffrey Springs . With an off-day tomorrow before the upcoming road series in Chicago , expect the team to make a slew of roster moves to add at least 1 starter to the active roster.

May 14, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics manager Mark Kotsay (left) takes the ball from starting pitcher Jacob Lopez (57) during the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Possible Callups, and One Confirmed, Before the Upcoming Road Trip

Following the rough homestand, manager Mark Kotsay suggested the team will make roster changes before the upcoming road trip. The trip will hold a pair of three-game sets against the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros .

Yesterday, I suggested the A's could call up Luis Morales to take a roster spot, but the team might not do so before the Chicago series. Instead, the team is electing to call up Kade Morris, who was acquired by the A's organization in the deal that sent Paul Blackburn to the New York Mets .

On the position player side of things, there's a strong chance they move on from middle infielder Alika Williams . Although he's a good defender, his batting average sits at .100, as he is 1-for-10 since joining the A's.

A real option for the A's to replace Williams is the Rutgers product, Joshua Kuroda-Grauer. 'JKG' was drafted in the third round in 2024 and has been mashing his way up the A's organization. He holds a .358 batting average and a .934 OPS with the Las Vegas Aviators (AAA) so far this season.

With Jacob Lopez heading down and Kade Morris up, anticipate the team possibly removing Alika Williams from the roster to make space for the hot 23-year-old shortstop, Joshua Kuroda-Grauer.