OAKLAND — The Oakland A’s rotation has been a mix of rotational players for most of the season because of injuries, but they should get two veteran starters back in the coming week.
Manager Mark Kotsay said before Monday’s game against the Houston Astros that veteran right-handers Paul Blackburn and Ross Stripling, both out since May, could return from the injured list this week.
“It’s always nice to have veterans back who have led a rotation in the past,” Kotsay said. “Not only because of their experience, but also because of their leadership role. They both worked hard during their rehab process. It may have taken a little longer than they would have liked.”
“There will be emotion when they return to the field, for them and for the club as well.”
Kotsay said Blackburn (60-day injured list, right foot stress reaction) and Stripling (15-day injured list, right elbow flexor strain) were both developed enough to join the rotation upon activation, rather than initially coming out of the bullpen.
Stripling, who has a 5.82 ERA in 11 starts this season, pitched in the bullpen Monday after pitching five, two-run innings for Triple-A Las Vegas Saturday in his third rehab outing.
Blackburn, who has a 4.11 ERA in eight starts this year, allowed five earned runs in 2 2/3 innings with Triple-A Las Vegas in his third rehab outing Sunday. Blackburn will throw his next bullpen start Tuesday or Wednesday, according to Kotsay.
“He feels good physically and mentally,” Kotsay said of Blackburn. “He’s eager to get back out here and get on the mound and throw his pen.”
Bido will start on Tuesday
Osvaldo Bido will start for the A’s against the Astros on Tuesday, his first start since the team’s doubleheader against the Rangers on May 8.
“Bido has pitched really well for us,” Kotsay said. “It’s an opportunity to see him in the rotation. We feel very strongly that he’s earned that opportunity to pitch out of the bullpen. He’s a lot like (Mitch) Spence. The great thing about him is he has the tools and the ability to come out of the bullpen and pitch like he did in one-inning and multiple-inning games. Now we’re going to look at him as a starter.”
Since his recall in late June, Bido has allowed three earned runs in 15 2/3 innings (1.72 ERA) with 12 strikeouts and nine walks (3.92 FIP).
Bido has performed much better as a reliever than as a starter during his brief major league career. In 10 career starts, Bido has a 6.27 ERA over 37 1/3 innings. In contrast, in 13 relief appearances, Bido has a 3.98 ERA over 31 2/3 innings.
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