The Athletics optioned pitcher Luis Morales to Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday, and manager Mark Kotsay said he hopes the 23-year-old right-hander regains his confidence after struggling with command. The Athletics made the move after Morales went 0-2 with a 12.27 ERA in starts against Toronto and Houston. Morales made the opening day roster despite issuing 14 walks in 19 innings in five spring training starts.