Triggs appears set to begin the season as Oakland's No. 4 starter after Jesse Hahn struggled again Saturday, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Triggs has a 5.06 ERA this spring but an solid 12:2 K:BB in 16 innings. Triggs will try to carry over momentum from the 2.78 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 21:1 K:BB he showed in his last five starts last year.

Triggs (1-1) gave up two earned runs on three hits over five innings in Wednesday's 5-3 Cactus League win over the White Sox. He struck out four.

EDGE Analysis

Triggs was smooth throughout his five frames against a lefty-heavy lineup, surrendering just a solo home run to Yolmer Sanchez and giving up his only other run on the only batter he faced in the sixth. The 28-year-old focused on throwing his changeup, which he was able to throw with effectiveness. The rest of Triggs' repertoire was sharp as well, helping him make a strong case in his ongoing quest for the fifth starter role. "He got tested today with a bunch of lefties," A's manager Bob Melvin said, "and this was his best outing so far. I thought overall it was his best command, sharpest breaking ball, good movement on his fastball."

Triggs (0-1) gave up six earned runs on five hits and two walks over 3.2 innings in Thursday's 6-5 Cactus League loss to the Indians. He recorded three strikeouts.

EDGE Analysis

Triggs entered Thursday's outing sporting an impressive 1.23 ERA over his first 7.1 spring innings but imploded against an Indians lineup with plenty of regulars. His troubles began early when he gave up three runs on a walk, two doubles and a single in the first inning. His command was the biggest issue, although Triggs did manage to strike out Edwin Encarnacion twice with men on, preventing an even more unsightly line. Although he was naturally displeased with his overall results and not reaching his goal of pitching into the fifth inning, Triggs took solace in mostly settling down after his early troubles. "I thought once we settled in, fastball command was better," said Triggs. "As things settled in, I was happy with my breaking ball, happy with my cutter."

Triggs gave up two runs (one earned) on four hits over 3.1 innings in Saturday's 8-7 Cactus League win over the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

Triggs once again made a strong case in his bid for the fifth starter role, a battle that's been made temporarily less heated with Sonny Gray's projected multi-week absence due to a lat strain. The 27-year-old righty still faces stiff competition for the job from Raul Alcantara but is outperforming him at the moment, as Saturday's production brought his spring ERA down to 1.23 over 7.1 innings.

Triggs recorded his first hold of spring in Sunday's 5-4 Cactus League win over the Mariners, firing two scoreless innings and surrendering only one hit. He also recorded a strikeout.

EDGE Analysis

Triggs is part of a potential four-way race for the fifth starter role, a competition that also includes Jesse Hahn, Raul Alcantara and Ross Detwiler. He's acquitted himself well in his two appearances so far, giving up one unearned run on three hits over four innings while also racking up four strikeouts. The 27-year-old right-hander showed some promise in his 2016 major league debut, posting a 1-1 record, 4.31 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over 56.3 innings across six starts.

Triggs, competing for the fifth starter job with Jesse Hahn, will make his Cactus League debut next Tuesday against the Indians, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

While Hahn will get first crack to make his case for the role by pitching in the spring training opener against the Cubs on Saturday, Triggs will take his initial turn against opposing hitters following Jharel Cotton in what will be Oakland's fourth exhibition tilt. Triggs and Hahn should wage an intriguing battle for the last spot in the rotation, with the former looking to build on his brief but solid debut stint in 2016 that included a 55 strikeouts in 56.1 innings.

Triggs will begin spring training as the likely fifth starter for Oakland, Susan Slusser of The San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Triggs was already the front runner heading into spring training, but Daniel Mengden's recent foot surgery solidifies this role. He made six starts for the A's last season, in which he went 1-1 with a 2.81 ERA. At this point, only Jesse Hahn and Raul Alcantara pose outside threats for the final spot in the rotation. A stiff back sidelined Triggs at the end of the 2016 campaign, but he is expected to be healthy entering spring training.

Triggs (back) will be used as a starter in spring training, Susan Sussler of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Triggs held a 2.81 ERA in six starts for the Oakland last season. He also made 18 relief appearances, where he wasn't nearly as sharp. The 27-year-old finished the season with a 4.31 ERA in 56.1 innings, posting a 8.8 K/9 strikeout rate and a 2.1 BB/9 walk rate. Triggs is not yet locked into a rotation spot, as Oakland has a few options at the back end of the rotation, but if he begins spring in strong form, he could be a favorite.

Manager Bob Melvin said Tuesday that Triggs (back) is unlikely to pitch agains this season, MLB.com's Jane Lee reports.

EDGE Analysis

The A's were hoping to get Triggs back at some point this season, but it appears the back injury he suffered in his last start will prevent him from taking the mound again until 2017. Triggs posted a 2.95 ERA over 16 relief appearances with the Nashville and started six games for the A's this season, so he should get a chance to earn a spot with the big league club during spring training.

Triggs, who was removed from Friday's start against the Red Sox after one inning due to back tightness, is expected to have his next turn in the rotation skipped, Joe Stiglich of CSN California reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Athletics announced Sunday that Raul Alcantara and Jharel Cotton would be promoted to the big leagues to make starts Monday and Wednesday, respectively, seemingly taking Triggs out of the mix for his next turn. More clarity on the extent of Triggs' injury should be provided at some point during the week.