Athletics manager Mark Kotsay hints at major changes after Yankees loss

The Athletics closed a disappointing homestand with a 13-8 loss to the New York Yankees on Sunday, and manager Mark Kotsay suggested roster changes could be coming after a game undone by one disastrous inning.

New York went off for 13 runs in the top of the third, sending 18 batters to the plate during a 43-minute frame that featured 11 hits, four walks, four stolen bases and 75 pitches. It was the Yankees’ largest inning in 21 years and the most runs the Athletics have allowed in a single inning since surrendering 14 against Cleveland on June 18, 1950.

Athletics starter Jacob Lopez entered the third after two perfect innings but failed to record an out in the frame. He finished having allowed four runs on five hits and two walks before being replaced by Michael Kelly, who surrendered six additional runs while recording only two outs. Kotsay revealed after the game that Lopez would be optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas, stressing the team needed five or six innings from the left-hander. Lopez also committed a mental mistake by failing to cover first base.

Kotsay indicated that further moves could follow. He mentioned that improving certain roster areas will be part of internal discussions.

“We’re always looking at this roster, not just the 26-man roster, but the 40-man roster,” said Kotsay. “So I think these discussions will be productive, and look forward to getting some new faces possibly.”

Change is coming for the A’s.

This is about as blunt as Mark Kotsay will get in postgame comments. A roster shakeup is imminent with a season-defining June on the horizon. #Athletics pic.twitter.com/5APqaDoC4d

— Uprooted (@uprootedoakland) May 31, 2026

Kelly could also be a candidate to lose his roster spot after allowing six runs on 42 pitches.

A’s slugger Brent Rooker ended a home-run drought of nearly two weeks with his eighth homer of the season, while Jonah Heim smacked a three-run blast, his second home run of the year.

Several Athletics relievers provided encouraging performances after the third inning. Jack Perkins retired all seven batters he faced, while Luis Medina struck out four across two scoreless innings. Outside of the third, A’s pitchers allowed only one walk and recorded five strikeouts.

The loss ended a 1-5 homestand in which the Athletics allowed 47 runs. After beginning the week with a 2½-game lead in the AL West, they finished it 2½ games behind the Seattle Mariners at 28-31. Their 11-17 home record is the second worst in Major League Baseball, although their 17-14 road mark ranks among the league’s better records.

Adding to the concern, Kotsay confirmed that pitcher Luis Severino is dealing with an injury expected to keep him out for some time, creating another challenge as the Athletics prepare for a road trip against the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros.

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