MESA, Ariz. -- Eric Surkamp is getting a chance to make a good impression right away in spring training.
The 28-year-old left-hander who has shuttled between the majors and Triple-A for the past three seasons with three different organizations was named the Oakland Athletics' starting pitcher for the first game of spring training on Thursday. He had one inning of effective work in an intrasquad game on Monday.
Surkamp struck out leadoff batter Billy Burns and retired the side on 10 pitches, throwing mainly fastballs.
"I'll take any opportunity I can get," Surkamp said.