Perkins finishes intriguing season with another flash of potential

Athletics pitcher Jack Perkins concluded his 2026 regular season during a 13-2 loss to the Houston Astros at Sutter Health Park. In the fifth inning, an unchallenged ball call on a potential strike three against Yordan Alvarez led to a three-run home run, widening Houston's lead to 6-1. Perkins finished the game with nine strikeouts over five innings.

Perkins' outing also featured two costly walks to Cam Smith, which preceded home runs by Jeremy Peña and Alvarez. The 26-year-old right-hander ended the season with a 6.10 ERA across 37 appearances, including 17 starts, with manager Mark Kotsay highlighting both his strikeout potential and execution struggles.