MESA, Ariz. -- Aaron Brooks has much at stake this spring, at least more than any of the A’s other rotation hopefuls.

The right-hander is out of options, at risk of being taken off the 40-man roster or lost on waivers to another club if he doesn’t make the team.

“I try not to think about it, but I think coming in a spot like this, it’s kind of hard not to think about it,” Brooks said. “I think for me and where I’m at now, it’s pushing me to be the best I can be.

“I feel like it’s good in a way to just try to force my hand on them and perform well. With or without options, you gotta perform.”

Brooks struggled in his season debut, surrendering six runs on four hits -- including a three-run homer by Meibrys Viloria -- in the opening frame against his former Royals organization, before settling down for a 1-2-3 second.

“I think I had a lot of energy going into the first inning,” he said. “Ball was a little up. I think [it was] just the nerves a little bit.”

Reacquired by the A’s for the second time in his career in September, Brooks appeared in just three games. He has an 8.01 ERA in 18 career games, including 10 starts, over parts of three big league seasons with Kansas City and Oakland.

It’s unclear who leads the race for the final rotation spot, but A’s manager Bob Melvin essentially confirmed the other four members on Sunday, strongly suggesting Daniel Mengden would be on a staff that also includes Mike Fiers, Marco Estrada and Brett Anderson.

Fiers is considered the likeliest Opening Day candidate, though Estrada remains a possibility.

“Those would be the leading candidates for that,” Melvin said. “I’m not putting anything in pen at this point.”

Davis on mend, Chapman nearing game action

Melvin delivered good news on A’s stars Khris Davis and Matt Chapman on Sunday: Davis (left calf strain) is hitting again, and Chapman could make his spring debut as soon as Tuesday.

Both were scheduled to participate in live BP on Sunday against teammate Joakim Soria, who is recovering from right hip tendinitis.

The plan is for Chapman to DH in his first game. There’s no timetable for Davis to see game action.

“Hopefully a little closer to getting him in games,” Melvin said, “but certainly at this point not a rush.”

Up Next

Right-hander Frankie Montas will start Monday’s 12:05 p.m. PT road matchup with the D-backs. Come Tuesday, Fiers is slated to make his Cactus League debut, with Mengden going Wednesday and Anderson on Thursday.