OAKLAND — A year after using Liam Hendriks as an “opener” in the American League Wild Card Game, the Oakland A’s put their faith in starter Sean Manaea against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday.
Manaea’s start against the Rays in this year’s Wild Card Game didn’t last much longer than Hendriks’ one-inning stint last season.
The A’s left-hander gave up three home runs, including two to Rays first baseman Yandy Díaz, in two-plus innings before he was lifted in favor of reliever Yusmeiro Petit.
Manaea had never pitched in the postseason prior to Wednesday and it’s possible he won’t have a chance at redemption this season.