The Oakland Athletics have chosen right-handed pitcher Luis Medina to start Sunday's series finale against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park, as reported by Martin Gallegos of MLB.
com.
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This will be Medina's first start of the 2026 season. The 27-year-old has previously worked exclusively from the bullpen after returning from Tommy John surgery.
In 14 relief appearances, Medina has posted a 2.41 ERA, a 1.18 WHIP, and an 18:9 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 18.2 innings.
Since Medina has not pitched more than 2.2 innings in any appearance this year, the team plans to use him as an opener.
Left-handed pitcher Jacob Lopez, whose regular turn in the rotation falls on Sunday, is expected to handle the bulk of the innings after Medina.
The Athletics enter the game after losing the first two games of the series in San Diego, dropping their record back to .
500.
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Despite the losses, Oakland still leads the American League West, though their advantage could shrink to half a game with another defeat.
Oakland has also adjusted its lineup, moving Shea Langeliers to designated hitter and starting Jonah Heim at catcher.
Infielder Alika Williams will make his first start at shortstop after five previous appearances as a defensive substitute.
The Athletics will face Padres right-hander Michael King, who enters his 11th start with a 2.31 ERA, seventh-best in the National League.
King has allowed only two runs over his last three starts, covering 18 2/3 innings.
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San Diego has also made defensive changes, returning Xander Bogaerts to action and placing Ramon Laureano in right field in place of Nick Castellanos.
