PHOENIX (AP) -- Only defensive lapses behind him kept Esteban Loaiza from becoming the first Oakland pitcher to go six innings this spring.
Loaiza made his first start for the Athletics on Monday since leaving a relief appearance March 9 against the San Francisco Giants in Scottsdale with shoulder tightness. So it was a good sign that the right-hander was able to throw 86 pitches in 5 1-3 innings in an 11-4 Cactus League loss to the San Diego Padres.
"I felt loose and relaxed," Loaiza said. "I'm fine, back on schedule."
A misplayed fly ball followed by a throwing error charged to second baseman Mark Ellis on the final two hitters Loaiza faced prolonged San Diego's five-run sixth inning. Loaiza allowed four runs, two earned, and struck out four while walking only two.
Oakland manager Bob Geren was hoping for this type of outing from the 35-year-old Loaiza, whose fastball topped out at 88 mph Monday.
"I'd like him to build on his last start (a simulated game)," Geren said. "He had decent control, throwing 85-87 mph (last time)."
Loaiza knows he hasn't reached his potential. He went 11-9 with a 4.89 ERA in 26 starts and 154 2-3 innings in 2006, his first season with the defending AL West champion A's.
"I know I can throw harder," he said. "I just wanted to hit my spots and keep the ball low today."
Loaiza said he would "air it out against Texas" in his final Arizona start Saturday.
Jake Peavy had an outstanding outing for San Diego, logging 4 2-3 innings of three-hit shutout ball. Peavy struck out six and walked only two while lowering his spring ERA more than two full runs to 4.40. Peavy threw five innings in his prior start.
Designated hitter Pete Laforest hit his first two home runs of the spring for San Diego.
Game notes
A's OF Bobby Kielty, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee March 2, participated in his first on-field batting practice of the spring. ... San Diego claimed RHP Justin Germano off waivers from the Phillies. Germano was traded from San Diego to Philadelphia with RHP Travis Chick for 3B Joe Randa on July 23, 2005. The Padres have 39 players on their 40-man roster. ... Oakland reassigned to minor league camp the following players: INF J.J. Furmaniak, INF Kevin Melillo, RHP Mike Mitchell, C Landon Powell, LHP Erasmo Ramirez and OF Charles Thomas. The A's have 34 players on their 40-man roster.