Jackson Perkins: Everything you need to know

Perkins (2-2) blew the save and took the loss Thursday as the A's fell 5-4 to the Cardinals. He allowed two runs on three hits, no walks and a hit-by-pitch with no strikeouts over two-thirds of an inning. The right-hander entered with a one-run cushion in the ninth inning but plunked JJ Wetherholt with two outs, opening the door for an Ivan Herrera game-tying single and a go-ahead double from Jordan Walker. Perkins had emerged as a trusted high-leverage arm for manager Mark Kotsay after a strong start to the season, but he has faltered of late. The 26-year-old has surrendered five earned runs across his past four outings, including a pair of blown saves. Overall, Perkins owns a 4.76 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 22:5 K:BB with three saves in five chances across 17 innings in 2026.

Perkins recorded his first hold of the season in Friday's 4-3 win over the Orioles, giving up one run on one hit and one walk over two-thirds of an inning. He struck out two. Entering the game in the ninth inning to protect a 4-2 lead, Perkins couldn't get the job done, tossing just 13 of 25 pitches for strikes and getting the hook with the tying run aboard. Hogan Harris picked up the final out to get the save. Perkins is the preferred closing option for A's manager Mark Kotsay, but the 26-year-old righty is still in his probationary period and has been scored upon in back-to-back appearances. On the season, Perkins sports a 4.11 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 21:5 K:BB through 15.1 innings while converting three of four save chances.

Perkins (2-1) was charged with the loss and a blown save Wednesday against the Phillies, allowing four runs (two earned) on two hits and one walk in 1.1 innings. He struck out two. Perkins, who was emerging as the Athletics' primary closer as of late, entered in the seventh inning Wednesday. The right-hander tossed a clean seventh frame before unraveling in the eighth, recording just one more out. A throwing error by Jeff McNeil prevented two of the runs from being earned, but Wednesday's effort could hurt Perkins' chances of seeing more save opportunities. Through 14.2 innings, he has a 3.68 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 19:4 K:BB while converting three of his four save chances.