The Athletics got to Michael King early in the Padres’ 7-2 Cactus League loss on Monday. The right-hander was touched up in the first inning after A’s left fielder Tyler Soderstrom launched a two-run blast beyond the right field fence to give the Green & Gold an early 2-0 lead.

Shea Langeliers followed with a two-run single in the second to extend the A’s lead to 4-0. King lasted just 2 1/3 innings, surrendering five hits while all four runs were earned. He notched three punch outs and walked two hitters.

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Luckily for King, he still has time to find his footing before the start of the regular season. The likeliest of scenarios for Opening Day is either he or Nick Pivetta will take the mound to counter Tarik Skubal and the Detroit Tigers.

Castellanos building solid case at first

Nick Castellanos is slowly building a resume at first base this spring. He makes it look a bit too easy for someone who’s never played the corner infield position in their professional career. Don’t say that to Ron Washington’s character in Moneyball, though. If you know, you know.

The veteran slugger, who is more known for his bat than his defense, was kept busy by the Athletics on Monday. Castellanos made a good throw to second base start a 3-6-1 double play and another one to complete a pick-off of former Padres super-prospect Leo De Vries. 

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Castellanos will still get reps in left field and at the designated hitter’s role this spring.

WBC exhibitions commence Tuesday; Musgrove faces Brits

The Friars will send Joe Musgrove to the hill for the first time this spring when they face Great Britain in a World Baseball Classic exhibition game on Tuesday. 

It will also be the first time Musgrove pitches in live game action since Game 2 of the 2024 National League Wild Card Series against the Atlanta Braves. 

He missed the entirety of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2024, which also forced him to miss the rest of that postseason.