Mark Kotsay criticizes Athletics bullpen after Royals rally
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 4:17 AM
Last updated Aug 20, 2026
Mark Kotsay expressed frustration with the Athletics' bullpen following two late-game collapses against the Royals this week. The A's led 3-1 on Tuesday entering the ninth inning but lost after reliever Hogan Harris allowed three runs. On Wednesday, a 5-2 lead evaporated in the eighth as Hayden Juenger and Drew Rom surrendered seven runs, resulting in a 9-7 defeat. Kotsay emphasized the need for relievers to perform effectively, noting that reliable options have been scarce. The bullpen's inconsistency continues to pose challenges for the team.
- •A's led 3-1 in the ninth on Tuesday but lost.
- •Wednesday's game saw a 5-2 lead turn into a loss.
- •Kotsay criticized the bullpen's failure to secure leads.
- •Relievers have struggled to capitalize on opportunities.
- •The losses mark a concerning trend for the Athletics.
- 4:17 AMYahoo Sports — Mark Kotsay Shows Frustration with Recent Bullpen Performance
"The Athletics bullpen blew yet another game on Wednesday, a second late come-from-behind win for the Royals
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