A’s trade with Kansas City Royals for starting pitcher
OAKLAND — The A’s announced themselves as contenders Sunday, acquiring pitcher Homer Bailey to bolster their starting rotation.
Minor league infielder Kevin Merrell was sent to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for Bailey (7-6, 4.80).
“We’re trying to get incrementally better wherever we can, a lot of times maybe we won’t make the market and go out there get the top guy, but if we can get better from the bottom up, we feel like it’s a good move to make,” Manager Bob Melvin said.
Bailey isn’t a splashy get, but has been solid of late. The 33-year-old has a 3.35 ERA over his last eight starts. He’s pitched decently against a few tough teams of late, including a one-run, five-inning win against the Minnesota Twins and a five-inning, two-run start against the Cleveland Indians on July 4.
Merrell, 23, was playing at Double-A Midland, Texas.
Check back shortly for more on this breaking news story, including comments from A’s GM David Forst.