Houston Astros

Fantasy Impact: A's plan to promote strikeout sensation Sean Manaea

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:26 p.m. ET

foxsports

San Francisco Chronicle Athletics’ beat writer Susan Slusser reports Oakland plans to promote pitching prospect Sean Manaea and start him Friday against the Astros.

Longtime #Royals player Billy Butler has seen Sean Manaea and said he has tremendous stuff. Thought KC considered Manaea untouchable.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) July 28, 2015

The 24-year-old Manaea was acquired in the Ben Zobrist-to-the-Royals trade last summer. He made three starts (five apperances) for the A’s during spring training and finished 1-1 with a 4.40 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 16 strikeouts in 14 1/3 IP. His K/9 rate has remained above 10.00 in 48 minor league starts over the past two seasons and three 2016 Triple-A starts in the hitter-friendly PCL. The 6-foot-5 starter has a fastball that clocks 93-95 MPH.

No word on how long this promotion will last, but still think he’s a great waiver wire option, like Jose Berrios, for those in need of strikeouts. The Astros young offense lead the MLB in strikeouts presenting an awesome MLB debut matchup for Manaea.