If Sunday afternoon was any indication, the public has Mike Fiers' back.
In the A's right-hander's first appearance of spring training and first time toeing the rubber since blowing the whistle on the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal, Fiers was cheered by the fans when he took the field against the Giants at Hohokam Park.
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SIGN UP HERE Fiers, who has received criticism from some and even death threats, said it was nice to feel the support from the fans.
While the reception was nice, Fiers is focused on the A's reaching new heights in 2020.
“I try to put it behind me. We have to focus on 2020," Fiers said, via MLB.com. "Our season is coming up pretty quick, so we need to focus on baseball and get ready,” Fiers said. “In the past, we’ve started off slow and it’s halted us late in the year. The earlier we can get ready, the better off we’re going to be.”
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On the mound, Fiers worked two efficient innings. He threw 19 pitches (12 strikes) and retired all six batters he faced.
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Fiers might face a different reaction when it's not a spring training game, but for now, it appears the fans are glad Fiers outed the Astros.
The Astros will visit the A's from March 30-April 1 in the second series of the season.