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MLB·ANALYSIS·July 30, 2026 02:19 PM ET

Athletics pivot to auditions as contender hopes fade

Perkins and Jump combined for 11⅔ shutout innings

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 301 min read
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What happened: Jack Perkins held the Boston Red Sox to one hit through 5⅔ innings Monday before Gage Jump worked six scoreless Tuesday. Luis Morales flashed progress in bulk duty after Jeffrey Springs exited at 1⅓ innings, while Jacob Lopez and Mason Barnett delivered improved outings.

Why it matters: Zack Gelof and Joshua Kuroda-Grauer have strengthened a position-player core that includes Tyler Soderstrom, Nick Kurtz, Shea Langeliers and Jacob Wilson. Recurring injuries and repeated execution mistakes continue to cloud the roster’s development.

By the numbers: Perkins needed 69 pitches for 5⅔ scoreless innings before two inherited runners scored. Jump followed with six shutout innings, giving the pair 11⅔ scoreless frames across consecutive starts.

What to watch: The remaining schedule will test whether Perkins, Jump and Morales can secure long-term rotation roles. The availability and production of Brent Rooker, Denzel Clarke and Wilson will also shape the offseason outlook.

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