PT TOMORROW: AL West—Ninth inning outlooks

Oakland Athletics

Ryan Madson (RHP, OAK) performed credibly in 2016, with 30 saves and a 3.62 ERA on the AL West's worst club. But a 4.24 xERA points to trouble under the hood, most notably in the form of declining Ks. Madson posted a six-year-worst 6.8 Dom—which fell to 5.9 after June, as he struggled with inconsistency and a 4.40 ERA over the final three months of the season. And now Madson's age (36), rebuilt elbow and seven blown saves last season suggest that the A's will hedge their bets. Manager Bob Melvin stated before spring training Madson isn't guaranteed the closer role, and what has been described as "general arm soreness" that delayed Madson's first spring appearance fuels more early uncertainty. 

As part of the...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

NL West rotations are mostly set, but the rosters still have plenty of room for shuffling during the spring's remaining weeks.
Mar 14 2026 3:04am
Shane Drohan may be the most intriguing piece in the return for Caleb Durbin.
Mar 13 2026 3:05am
Top Twins prospects Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez will start 2026 at Triple-A, but seem likely to get a call-up at some point this season. Plus, saves in CHW, the Guardians' middle infield, an unknown Tiger, and Starling Marte and Lane Thomas in KC.
Mar 12 2026 3:05am
Top to bottom, the Washington Nationals have one of the youngest—and most high-variance—teams in baseball. Plus: SP in MIA; Profar fallout in ATL; C at NYM; RP in PHI; more.
Mar 11 2026 8:30am
With Jeremy Peña suffering a finger injury, the Astros may be shuffling things up in the infield to start the season.
Mar 11 2026 8:10am

Tools