If there is one real consistent talent the A’s demonstrate, year after year, it’s an ability to identify talented pitching, sometimes via the draft, sometimes in other organizations, occasionally on the free-agent market.
On Tuesday, minor-league free-agent pickup Zach Neal turned in six strong innings in Oakland’s 3-2 win over the Angels, and on Wednesday, the A’s will unveil one of their newest pitchers, right-hander Jharel Cotton, obtained in the deal that sent Rich Hill and Josh Reddick to the Dodgers.
Neal, working on just three days’ rest because original Tuesday starter Ross Detwiler was pressed into action in relief of Raul Alcantara one day earlier, gave up five hits and a walk and struck out five in a quality start, but he wasn’t in line for a win when he left because the A’s hitters remained mired in sludge.