Manaea eager for chance to swing bat

HOUSTON — Don’t let Sean Manaea’s size fool you. It wasn’t long ago the 6-foot-5 pitcher was scared of the ball, a fear born in Little League when he was hit by a pitch on his back.

Ever since, “I never cared for hitting,” Manaea said.

The A’s lefty has changed his tune, though, as he preps for his Major League hitting debut in Milwaukee on Tuesday. Manaea, a self-proclaimed “terrible” hitter in high school, is actually looking forward to it, after crafting a swing and honing his skills in the cage during recent weeks.

He even managed to homer twice at the Coliseum during a round of batting practice.

“Everybody’s minds were blown, just because they saw me out there the first time and thought I was the worst thing ever,” said Manaea, 24.

“He has been progressing,” manager Bob Melvin said, smiling. “The first couple times we looked at him, he was having a little difficulty, but he’s gotten much better. For us, what we’re really trying to accomplish is if we get guys on base, being able to bunt them over. Anything after that is probably gravy, as far as a guy getting a hit.”

Manaea has been …

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