I'm not getting why everyone thinks it's such a stupid idea to try to separate the starts between Porcello and Sale. The idea makes a lot of sense, actually. It's really not so much about separating Porcello and Sale, but more about separating the other 3 starters who seem not to be able to go more than about 5 innings. Three games in a row like that does put a strain on the pen.
That said, I could agree with you that the execution was probably poor, in terms of the timing of it. However, pitching away in Oakland against a weak offense is as good a game as you can probably get to 'test' someone out.