MESA, Ariz. -- It was one inning of the "Frankie Montas Show" in the desert on Wednesday.
Closer Liam Hendriks was poking fun at the right-hander in the clubhouse saying the bullpen had a new arm.
A's manager Bob Melvin told the media Montas would only get that solo inning, but the 1-2-3 outing went by so fast if you'd blinked you might have missed it. It was an anticipated spring debut after a season of missing out for the right-hander.
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Montas was suspended after testing positive for PED's last June. He wants to move on from that, and Melvin repeatedly said the 26-year-old is excited to contribute to the team this season. But Montas doesn't believe he has any extra responsibilities despite missing a chunk of time.
"I don't feel like I have anything to prove to be honest with you," Montas told reporters after his outing. "I just want to have the ball every five days and go out there and compete and do my best."
A smile barely left his face as he talked about some of his pitches that hit in the 96-97 mph range. Montas also was able to throw his two-seamer as well as his changeup, slider and splitter against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Last season in 16 starts, Montas boasted a 2.63 ERA with 103 strikeouts and a 1.115 WHIP in 96 innings.
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Montas will be vying for a starting spot in a promising looking rotation. And despite the pressure being off him heading into the season, he's not getting too comfortable.
He also said that with a smile.