SAN FRANCISCO — Sean Manaea says he’s ready for the rush of a regular-season game.
He’s ready to stare in at home plate and see the American League’s best hitters staring back at him.
However, the mission goes beyond those one-on-one battles for the A’s big lefty.
Entering his first full major league season, Manaea must lean on his minimal experience and pitch like a grizzled veteran. For as long as Sonny Gray is sidelined by a strained lat muscle, Manaea slots in as Oakland’s No. 2 starter behind Kendall Graveman.
He certainly pitched Thursday night like he’s up to the challenge.