Kendall Graveman Slated to Make First MLB Start Thursday for Oakland Athletics

Former 2010-2013 Mississippi State pitcher Kendall Graveman will make his first MLB start for the Oakland Athletics against the Texas Rangers Thursday at 2:35 p.m.

Graveman, who was dealt to the A's in November in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays, mowed down MLB hitters in spring training on the way to a 3-1 record and a 0.36 ERA. His spectacular earned run average was number one among major league pitchers.

In five appearances out of the bullpen in 2014 with Toronto, Graveman posted a 3.86 ERA, giving up two earned runs in 4.2 innings.

Graveman starts out the season number four in the A's rotation. Opening-day starter Sonny Gray captured the attention of the baseball world Monday night after taking a no-hitter all the way into the eighth inning.

Graveman will get the opportunity to pitch against former Diamond Dog Mitch Moreland, who plays mostly at designated hitter for the Rangers and led his team in home runs during spring training.

A full list of former Diamond Dog players and coaches in the MLB can be found here.