BASEBALL

New A’s pitcher Kyle Muller receiving high praise from coaching staff

Feb 23, 2023, 10:18 AM

Kyle Muller #66 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning against the Washington Nationals ...

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 27: Kyle Muller #66 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 27, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

(Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

A new Oakland Athletics pitcher is getting rave reviews in his first official time with the club in Spring Training.

A’s Manager Mark Kotsay said Muller faced off against hitters from the mound on Wednesday for the first time, saying he looked as good.

“He went out, threw strikes, mixed his change up in, which you see a pitch on video and it might not do it justice, but a positive there,” Kotsay said, adding he also pitches quick, something that will play to the advantage of the new pitch clock rules.

Kotsay previously compared the 25-year-old right-handed pitcher to another familiar face in the Bay Area, former Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner.

“They share a lot of the same qualities and traits,” Kotsay said. “If Muller can find a way to turn out like Bum, we’ve got something there don’t we? It’s exciting. He’s a young arm, he’s accomplished a lot at the Triple-A level. He hasn’t had the success at the big league level in a limited capacity with the [Atlanta] Braves. So you know, you hope that he settles in and we’re excited about watching him throw in Spring Training.”

The Athletics acquire Kyle Muller

Last December, Oakland traded catcher Sean Murphy to the Atlanta Braves for multiple players, including right-handed pitchers Royber Salinas and Freddy Tarnok, catcher Manny Piña, and left-handed pitcher Kyle Muller from the Braves. Muller was Atlanta’s number one prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. Only appearing in eight games with the Braves over the past two seasons, Muller primarily worked out of the team’s AAA club, the Gwinnett Stripers. There, he posted a strong 2022 outing, starting 23 games with an ERA of 3.41.

Newsletter

Baseball

Oakland Athletics fans sit behind signs during the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at RingCe...

Joseph Jarosz

Casey Pratt on where the Oakland Athletics go next

ABC7's Casey Pratt joined the Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross to discuss what's next for the Oakland Athletics after the Vegas stadium appears to have failed.

12 hours ago

Oakland A's Las Vegas ballpark rendering...

Joseph Jarosz

Report: A’s stadium deal not passed by Nevada lawmakers

The Nevada Legislature adjourned Monday without passing SB-509, the Oakland A's deal. It is unknown if a special session will be called for it

12 hours ago

Camilo Doval #75 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies at Oracle Pa...

Joseph Jarosz

Giants reliever Camilo Doval named NL Reliever of the Month

The San Francisco Giants closer Camilo Doval has been named the National League Reliever of the Month for May.

4 days ago

Former San Francisco Giants player Barry Bonds looks on during a Wall of Fame induction ceremony fo...

Joseph Jarosz

Barry Bonds documentary announced by HBO

According to a report, the documentary "will include a diverse cast of influential figures from Barry Bonds' life and career."

6 days ago

Michael Conforto #8 of the San Francisco Giants hits an RBI single scoring LaMonte Wade Jr. #31 aga...

Joseph Jarosz

Michael Conforto day-to-day after suffering heel injury in Giants’ loss

Giants' GM Gabe Kapler said after the game outfielder Michael Conforto is considered day-to-day and will be re-evaluated after Wednesday.

6 days ago

Fans sit behind signs referencing plans for the Oakland Athletics to move to Las Vegas during a gam...

Joseph Jarosz

Are the A’s done with Oakland no matter what happens in Vegas?

During a joint hearing on SB-509, the bill that would help fund the Oakland A's move to Las Vegas, a team representative let slip that the A's may be done with Oakland all together.

7 days ago

New A’s pitcher Kyle Muller receiving high praise from coaching staff