Luis Morales: Everything you need to know

The Athletics optioned Morales to Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday. Morales had a disastrous first two starts of the season, allowing 10 runs on 13 hits (including four home runs) with a 5:8 K:BB over 7.1 innings. The 23-year-old is one of the Athletics' most talented young arms and showed promise last season, but he'll hope to get sorted out at Las Vegas before getting another opportunity with the big club. The A's have yet to announce who will take Morales' spot in the rotation, but moving J.T. Ginn from the bullpen to the rotation is one option.

Morales (0-2) took the loss Saturday, coughing up five runs on eight hits and six walks over three-plus innings as the A's were routed 11-0 by the Astros. He failed to strike out a batter. It was a disastrous outing for Morales, who managed only 38 strikes on 77 pitches before getting the hook after he walked the leadoff batter in the fourth inning. The right-hander may not be long for the rotation if he can't tighten up his control, and through two starts he carries a 12.27 ERA, 2.86 WHIP and 5:8 K:BB over 7.1 innings. His next start is scheduled to come on the road next weekend against the Mets.

Morales (0-1) took the loss against the Blue Jays on Sunday, allowing five runs on five hits and two walks with five strikeouts over 4.1 innings. Morales threw just 41 of 71 pitches for strikes and was undone by homers in the first, third and fourth innings. The 23-year-old posted an impressive 3.14 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 43:18 K:BB across 48.2 innings down the stretch in 2025, but he carried a rough spring into his season debut. He'll look to rebound in a home matchup against the Giants next weekend.