OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Oakland left-hander Brett Anderson pitched seven innings in his first start since undergoing elbow surgery nearly 15 months ago and the Athletics turned a triple play behind him in a 4-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night.
Newly acquired shortstop Stephen Drew went hitless in his Oakland debut but it hardly mattered. Coco Crisp, Seth Smith and Josh Donaldson had two hits apiece for the A’s, who remain one-half game behind Baltimore in the race for the second wild-card spot in the American League.
Anderson struck out seven and faced one batter over the minimum in his return after being sidelined since June 5, 2011. He was activated off the disabled list Monday following a six-start rehab stint in the minors.
Ben Revere singled and scored the lone run for Minnesota.
