MLB Note - Oakland Athletics Alcantara, Raul

Sep 24, 2017 - 7:45 AM RHP Raul Alcantara (1-1) made a spot start on Saturday night against Texas in place of LHP Sean Manaea, who was a late scratch because a strained upper back. Alcantra allowed no runs on two hits over five innings with five strikeouts and two walks in a 1-0 victory. He lowered his ERA from 9.20 to 6.86.Alcantara made a spot start at Detroit on Monday and blanked the Tigers for 3 2/3 innings on two hits for a no-decision in an 8-3 A's victory. "He looks like a different guy," A's manager Bob Melvin said of Alcantara. "I think a lot of it had to do with how well he pitched last time. The command of the fastball is better. It looks to me like his split and slider are better, and he's pitching with a lot more confidence. It's good to see."