It’s a large batch of cuts, and there’s definitely some talent mixed in there, but no one who was truly expected to crack the team’s Opening Day roster. Jordan Diaz saw significant time with the A’s during the 2023 season and he’ll surely get another chance at some point in 2024. Estes is somewhat surprising, as he was absolutely dealing in Cactus League play — posting a 1.29 ERA, 0.43 WHIP and an 8/1 K/BB ratio across seven innings in his three outings.

Of course, he was facing a split-squad’s backup players at that point, so he ought to have been pretty successful. Still, nine up and nine down is an accomplishment, regardless of the competition. Estes has allowed one run and two hits in seven innings this spring. The former Braves prospect is not the upside pick that Joe Boyle is, but he’s someone with a decent claim for a spot in Oakland’s rotation.

Estes departed in line for his first big league win, but was forced to settle for a no-decision after lefty reliever Kyle Muller served up a game-tying homer following his exit. He finished with five strikeouts and one walk. The 21-year-old rookie right-hander wound up allowing nine runs (eight earned) on 12 hits with a 7/2 K/BB ratio across 10 innings (two starts) in his brief stint with the Athletics to close out the regular season.

It was a rocky debut for Estes, who gave up a pair of early runs before being chased from the contest in the fifth inning when Seattle’s lineup erupted for four runs in the frame. He finished with a pair of strikeouts and also issued one walk. Half of the six hits he surrendered wound up leaving the ballpark. It’s unclear whether he’ll get the ball again for Oakland, but he’s lined up to take on the Twins next Tuesday in Minnesota.