35 Aaron Brooks SP

Brooks (2-1) allowed three runs on three hits, struck out three and walked three across six innings in a victory against the Orioles on Thursday.

The 28-year-old yielded a homer to the second batter of the game and then allowed just one hit over the next five innings. Brooks started the seventh, but he allowed a walk and single to begin the frame and then exited. Unfortunately, the Athletics bullpen let both inherited runners score. Still, Brooks improved to 2-1 and owns a 4.24 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 11 strikeouts in 17 innings. His next start will likely come against the Astros.

Brooks (1-1) took the loss Saturday, surrendering five runs on nine hits and a walk over five innings while striking out two in a 6-0 defeat at the hands of the Astros.

The right-hander got through the Houston batting order once without any damage, but George Springer and Michael Brantley each took Brooks deep in the fifth inning. After a strong 2019 debut against the struggling Red Sox, the 28-year-old fell back to earth with a thud. Brooks will try to get back on track Thursday in Baltimore.

Brooks (1-0) allowed no runs on two hits and struck out six over six innings in a win over the Red Sox on Monday. He walked one.

Brooks couldn't have asked for a much better performance in his first MLB start since 2015. The right hander only allowed two hits and became Oakland's fifth consecutive starter to go at least six innings. Brooks will make his next start Saturday at Minute Maid Park.

Brooks will open the season as the Athletics' fifth starter, Julian McWilliams of The Athletic reports.

Brooks put the finishing touches on his bid for the starting rotation in Tuesday's exhibition game, as he allowed one run on five hits and two walks across 5.1 innings while striking out five. The 28-year-old finished spring training with a 4.40 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 14:6 K:BB across 14.1 innings, and tentatively lines up for his first start next Monday against the Red Sox.

Brooks and Chris Bassitt are viewed as the two candidates for the final available spots in Oakland's rotation,

Brooks is slated to start Oakland's exhibition finale Tuesday in the Bay Bridge series game against San Francisco, giving him one last chance to stake his claim to the rotation spot. Perhaps just as notable as Brooks' spring numbers (6.00 ERA, 9:4 K:BB in nine innings) is the fact that he has no minor-league options remaining, while Bassitt still has one. That might be enough to give Brooks the edge in the job battle so long as he doesn't implode Tuesday.