Breaking News: Main Reason Lefty Alex Wood to start opening day for the Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics have declared that southpaw Alex Wood will be their starter for Opening Day. They’re set to play against the Cleveland Guardians at the Oakland Coliseum next Thursday evening, kicking off at 7pm PST.
Wood you look at that 👀
Alex Wood has been named our 2024 Opening Day Starter! pic.twitter.com/c9nIkhxCre
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) March 19, 2024
Wood, who has started 202 games in his major league career, will experience his inaugural Opening Day start. The Athletics acquired him earlier in the offseason to bolster their pitching rotation, which was in dire need of depth.
While many fans anticipated JP Sears, a holdover, to receive the Opening Day nod, Wood emerged as a strong alternative. Throughout his 11 seasons, he has pitched 1,218 innings, maintaining a 3.74 ERA.
During spring training, Wood posted a 4.76 ERA in his first 11 innings with an impressive 13-1 strikeout to walk ratio. Sears has shown slightly better performance in spring training, but Wood brings valuable veteran leadership and is regarded as a positive presence in the clubhouse.
This marks Wood’s fifth team in the majors, having previously played for the Giants for the past three seasons. Although he performed well in 2021 and 2022, his performance dipped last year, leading to a brief stint in relief before reclaiming his starting position towards the end of the season.
Previously, Wood has played for the Dodgers, Reds, and Braves, primarily as a starter.
The Athletics heavily rely on Wood to remain healthy and provide consistent innings throughout the season. With injuries sidelining Ken Waldichuk, Freddy Tarnok, and Luis Medina, the team’s pitching depth is thin.
The team’s success hinges on the health and effectiveness of Wood, Sears, Paul Blackburn, and Ross Stripling. Otherwise, they might have to resort to minor league options with limited success at the highest level. As Opening Day approaches, the Athletics’ pitching staff faces a critical test.