Athletics Smoked: Key Takeaways From Athletics' Devastating Loss

This was definitely not how Kade Morris expected his debut to go. He would pitch four innings, allowing nine hits and nine runs, along with three home runs and three walks. However, he would strike out four batters during the outing and not allow a hit in the fourth inning.

There is some promise to take from this debut. Before people sound the demotion alarm, it is important to consider what Gage Jump accomplished under similar circumstances. In Jump's first five innings, he would give up nine hits and four runs.

In his most recent start, he would pitch seven innings, giving up just three hits and a run. If Morris stays in the rotation, a bounce-back outing could follow.

Zack Gelof is a Constant

With a bunt single in the top of the second, Zack Gelof would extend his hitting streak to 11-games, the longest among all Athletics. In the last 10 games, Gelof is also hitting .378 with a .857 OPS, not bad.

If he can remain this steady, the Athletics have a huge advantage lineup-wise, considering he has been hitting in the 7th spot. The bottom of the Athletics' lineup has not been its best lately. Jeff McNeil has grown cold, and Darell Hernaiz has been off in the last two games he has played.

With Gelof stepping up in a huge way near the bottom, it is now a matter of time before each hitter mentioned gets on the same wavelength.

Carlos Cortes is the Next Shohei Ohtani

The headline might be a joke, but even so, Carlos Cortes played a great game vs. the Astros. He would go 2-of-5 with a leadoff single, as well as a single in the fourth. He would also pitch one inning, where he would hold the Astros hitless.

Not bad, but considering the situation, there is no reason to read too deeply into it. In a previous article, we discussed keeping the lead-off hitter static, meaning there will not be a different player leading off for the Athletics.

Even though Cortes is in the midst of a slump, he has been pretty solid at giving the A's ample opportunities to make magic happen in the first. He did in this game, and he will do it in others if given the chance.