Manaea (0-1) gave up five runs (four earned) on five hits and one walk over 1.2 innings in Saturday's 15-5 Cactus League loss to the Indians. He struck out two.

EDGE Analysis

Manaea's Saturday effort was in sharp contrast to his stellar spring debut Monday, when he'd stymied the Giants over two innings and had been especially effective with his changeup. The 25-year-old southpaw experienced the polar opposite against the Indians, surrendering RBI doubles to Abraham Almonte and Lonnie Chisenhall and an infield single to Chris Colabello in a 33-pitch first inning. He also yielded another two-bagger to Brandon Guyer in the second before exiting and pinpointed command issues with his changeup as one of the biggest culprits in his regression Saturday. "I just wasn't throwing it for a strike," Manaea said. "It's something I've got to work on, something that needs to be executed a lot better than it was today. It's what I guess spring training (is about), working out all those kinks and hopefully by the season be ready to go."

Manaea, who came on in relief of starter Kendall Graveman in the second inning of Monday's 5-4 Cactus League victory over the Giants, gave up only one walk over two innings. He struck out two.

EDGE Analysis

Manaea was highly impressive against Giants starters, particularly with his changeup. The pitch was responsible for both of his strikeouts, the second which came against Buster Posey with Denard Span on first. Manaea's work drew praise from teammates and Posey himself, and the second-year hurler gave himself some high marks as well. "I think I threw every single one for a strike," Manaea said. "[My slider] was probably the best I've thrown in a couple years. Last year was different because I wasn't on the team, and this year I'm a little more confident coming in and can work on things and not really have to worry about trying to impress everyone."

Manaea was impressive during his stint in a Thursday intrasquad game, Joe Stiglich of CSN Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

The A's' projected No. 2 starter looked the most impressive of the top trio of arms, avoiding the kind of hard contact that both Sonny Gray and Kendall Graveman fell victim to. Manaea was so efficient in getting three outs, that the inning had to be extended in order for him to get in sufficient work. The 25-year-old southpaw is slated to make his Cactus League debut Monday against the Giants behind Gray.

Manaea will make his Cactus League debut Monday against the Giants, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manaea is projected to follow Sonny Gray, who is expected to open the game. The A's projected No. 2 starter, Manaea is looking to follow up an encouraging 24-start rookie campaign with a breakout 2017 as a pivotal part of the rotation. One of the more interesting aspects of Monday's appearance should be Manaea's use of his slider, which he is focusing on developing this spring as a third pitch alongside his fastball and changeup.

Manaea is working to hone his slider in spring training, Joe Stiglich of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 25-year-old southpaw, currently penciled in as the A's' No. 2 starter, is working on the slider as a third pitch to go with his fastball and change-up. He's made a good initial impressive on manager Bob Melvin, who remarked that Manaea "really impressed" with the pitch in a Friday throwing session. Both Melvin and Manaea feel the third pitch will help take the promising hurler to the next level after a promising 2016 rookie season. The lefty hopes to build on the momentum he generated over his final nine starts, during which he went 4-3 with a 2.41 ERA and notched victories in three of his last four trips to the mound.

Manaea improved to 7-9 Sunday versus Seattle, allowing just two runs on five hits and a walk with five strikeouts across six strong innings.

EDGE Analysis

Manaea needed just 88 pitches through six frames, 63 of which went for strikes, and his only mistake came on a two-run double with men on base in the fifth inning. The rookie closed the season on an absolute tear, as he allowed just four runs in his final 34.1 innings to lower his ERA to 3.86. He was a top prospect before being dealt to the Athletics and looks poised to build on the promise he showed during his minor league career as he makes the jump to his second big league season.

Manaea allowed one run on four hits and a walk with three strikeouts over seven innings in a no-decision Monday against the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

Manaea had a 4.73 ERA and 1.31 WHIP on Aug. 17, but he is closing the season on a high note. In his past five starts, he hasn't allowed more than one earned run, and he owns a 0.64 ERA and 0.78 WHIP with a 27:8 K:BB in 28.1 innings. Perhaps most importantly, Manaea had allowed 18 home runs in his first 19 appearances; in his five outings since, he has surrendered just a pair.

Manaea threw six shutout innings and allowed three hits and two walks with seven strikeouts over six innings in a no-decision Tuesday against the Astros.

EDGE Analysis

Manaea has been excellent in two starts since returning from a back injury last week. He has thrown 11 scoreless innings with a 12:3 K:BB and just six hits allowed. Manaea has allowed 19 homers in 22 starts, but with a 116:35 K:BB, there's plenty for the rookie to work with heading into 2017.

Manaea (back) will start Wednesday's game against the Royals, as expected.

EDGE Analysis

He threw a 50-pitch bullpen session Saturday, so it remains to be seen how many pitches he will be allowed to throw Wednesday. This makes him a risky option in daily leagues. He had three quality starts in his last five outings before suffering the back injury.

Manaea (back) threw a successful bullpen session Saturday and remains on track to start Wednesday in Kansas City, CSN California's Joe Stiglich reports.

EDGE Analysis

He threw 50 pitches off a bullpen mound Saturday, 30 warmup pitches and 20 to simulate an inning. The key is that his back continues to feel good throughout his rehab, and as long as that remains the case, he will take the ball Wednesday and could finish out the year in the rotation.