‘It’s not an easy division’: A’s preparing for tough stretch against AL West foes

OAKLAND — The A’s (17-18) currently sit one game below .500 in early May, much to the surprise of the baseball world at large, and over the last handful of weeks, they’ve captured a fair bit of attention. The extra eyes have been warranted.

Mason Miller, who could go viral on any given night, won American League Reliever of the Month for April. Brent Rooker, who blasted two home runs in one inning in Saturday’s 20-4 win, just won American League Player of the Week. Oakland has won eight of its last 10 games...