Jesus Luzardo, rated the No. 2 prospect in the A’s organization, garnered heavy praise from manager Bob Melvin.
Called up from minor league camp to help out in the bullpen on Tuesday, Luzardo was thrust into a save situation in the ninth inning looking to preserve a 5-3 lead over the Rangers.
Melvin said he would have expected that type of scenario to produce high stress levels for any young pitcher, but the manager saw nothing but calmness from Luzardo as he effortlessly fired off 96 mph fastballs for strikes.
Luzardo allowed one hit and struck out a batter to earn the save.