Montas won't be stretched out by the end of camp, CSN California's Joe Stiglich reports.
He will pitch in relief Thursday, and while the A's want to get a look at him as a starter, they will be cautious enough with him this spring that he won't be able to pitch on a starter's schedule until after the Triple-A season gets under way. An oblique injury sidelined Montas for most of 2016, which is why he is being brought along slowly. Most evaluators view Montas as a potentially dominant reliever long term, as he lacks the command and durability to profile as a starter. However the A's have every reason to get a look at him as a starter in their organization before officially converting him to the bullpen.