One reliever for another
The Athletics announced today that they’ve recalled recently-acquired pitcher Brandon Bielak:
The Oakland A’s optioned LHP Hogan Harris to Triple-A Las Vegas. The move clears a roster spot for RHP Brandon Bielak, who was acquired from Houston yesterday for cash considerations.
— Oakland A's Communications (@AthleticsPR) May 17, 2024
Bielak comes to the club after spending the entirety of his career with the division rival Astros. He’s bounced between the starting rotation and bullpen, with last season being his best yet. He began the year in the Houston bullpen and sports a 5.71 ERA in 10 relief appearances this season.
The club plans to have Bielak begin his A’s tenure out of the bullpen. That said, manager Mark Kotsay left the door open to Bielak eventually getting a look as a starting option down the line:
Brandon Bielak will join the A’s in Kansas City tomorrow. He’ll start out in the bullpen but Kotsay mentioned they could build him up as a starter.
— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) May 16, 2024
A’s still deciding who will be tomorrow’s starter.
It’s not a bad idea. Bielak was solid for the Astros last season while making 13 starts. We’ll see how the beginning of his tenure goes before we get there though.
To make room for Bielak the club optioned lefty longman Hogan Harris back to Triple-A. This is his second demotion already this year, though it’s not for a lack of production. Harris has made it into two games so far and both were extended outings. He’s hurt by the fact that he can go multiple innings in a way. We will definitely be seeing Harris back up with the club sooner than later.
