Jack Perkins News: Struggles in first career start

Perkins (0-2) took the loss against the Diamondbacks on Sunday, allowing four runs on five hits and three walks while striking out four over three innings.

Making the first start of his career after debuting in a long-relief role, Perkins labored through three frames and needed a season-high 62 pitches to get nine outs. The 25-year-old righty had been effective out of the bullpen, carrying a 2.75 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 19:7 K:BB over 19.2 innings entering Sunday. While the transition to the rotation didn't yield immediate success, Perkins should have a fairly long leash as the A's give the top prospect a chance to establish himself as a long-term rotation piece.