Athletics' John Axford: Struggling with command in spring

Axford has struggled over five appearances this spring, generating a 5.06 ERA, 2.44 WHIP and 2:5 K:BB across 5.3 innings.

Analysis:

The veteran reliever, who was a valuable part of the bullpen last season with 15 holds and three saves, has endured rough sledding this spring and hasn't taken the mound since March 17. Axford was also considered a contender for the closer role at one point, and he notched 25 saves as recently as 2015 while with the Rockies. However, it would appear that incumbent ninth-inning specialist Ryan Madson and newcomer Santiago Casilla -- who has a solid late-inning track record in his own right -- are the frontrunners for the position at present.