A's Kendall Graveman continues impressive spring

GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Athletics right-hander Kendall Graveman allowed one hit and walked one in 51/3 scoreless innings in the Athletics’ 4-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. Graveman also struck out five.

“He got six up,” Athletics manager Bob Melvin said of Graveman. “He was able to do that because of his pitch counts.”

Graveman, a key acquisition in the Josh Donaldson trade with Toronto, made his fourth start of the spring and has allowed one run in 15 innings.

“We haven’t seen him struggle yet,” Melvin said. “He knows how to pitch. He keeps the ball down and off the barrel of the bat.”

Josh Satin bolstered his case for a spot on Cincinnati’s bench, hitting a three-run homer in the eighth and a game-ending RBI single in the ninth.

Mike Leake pitched five solid innings for Cincinnati, and Kristopher Negron had two hits. Tony Cingrani struck out three in two scoreless innings.

Leake allowed his first run of the spring on Mark Canha’s RBI double in the fourth, but Ike Davis was thrown out at the plate on a nice relay by center fielder Skip Schumaker and shortstop Zack Cozart.

Leake was charged with one run and four hits. He struck out two and walked none.

“Leake was outstanding, changing speeds, using his cutter,” said Reds manager Bryan Price, who was the pitching coach under Melvin with Arizona. “It was the first time I’ve seen Graveman. He has a very good sinker-cutter combination that gave us a lot of trouble. Both pitchers were very stingy and impressive.”

Leake was so efficient that he had to go to the bullpen to throw 10 more pitches to reach his targeted pitch count of 75.

“I was happy with the outing,” Leake said. “There were a few balls I rushed that I elevated.”

TRAINING ROOM

Athletics: OF Sam Fuld, who was hit in the jaw with a throw, is taking batting practice. He is day to day. … OF Josh Reddick is tentatively scheduled to resume play next week. He injured his oblique earlier this spring.

Reds: RHP Homer Bailey pitched two innings in a minor league game against the Indians’ Triple-A team. Bailey (right forearm surgery) likely will begin the season on the disabled list.

UP NEXT

Athletics: RHP Chris Bassitt will start against Cleveland today, opposed by Zach McAllister. RHP Ryan Cook, RHP Daniel Otero and ambidextrous pitcher Pat Venditte are scheduled to throw against the Indians.

Reds: Jason Marquis, who is making a strong bid to win a spot in the rotation, will make his fifth start against Texas tonight. RHP Alex Gonzalez will pitch for Texas. RHP Kevin Gregg, RHP Burke Badenhop and RHP Sam LeCure will pitch after Marquis.

SUN DEVILS

Ike Davis singled off Leake. They were teammates at Arizona State, and Davis celebrated his 28th birthday on Sunday.