Athletics Reinstate Paul Blackburn

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May 29, 2023

The Oakland Athletics have reinstated Paul Blackburn amongst multiple moves to try and find some consistency in their pitching staff and in their offense. He will be making his first start of the season today against the Atlanta Braves. In order to make room for him, they optioned relief pitcher Garrett Acton back to Triple-A Las Vegas. In a surprising move, the A’s announced on Monday they will designate for assignment veteran first baseman Jesús Aguilar. To fill his spot on the roster they have recalled utility infielder Jonah Bride from Triple-A.

Athletics Reinstate Paul Blackburn

The A’s announced on Monday that they were reinstating 2022 all star pitcher Paul Blackburn from the injured list. They currently have the worst pitching staff in all of baseball with a team ERA of 6.87. This is on pace to be the worst in baseball history. They also have the worst WHIP (1.65), BAA (2.82), and currently have two wins by starting pitching through 55 games.

Last season, Blackburn was the A’s best pitching option. Although he slowed down a bit after the second half, he was one of the most dominant pitchers in the first half of the 2022 campaign. Through his first 17 starts in 2022 Blackburn had a 3.36 ERA and a 6–4 record. He was even more impressive on the road, with ten of his first 17 starts coming away from home. In those games he had a 1.28 ERA through 56 1/3 innings.

This move could be most beneficial for the young starts who have struggled all season long. The A’s hope that Blackburn’s presence can add some veteran impact to help show the starters how to be a big league pitcher. Seeing how he gets his extra work in, and how he carries himself around the diamond can be massive for the other starters development. A’s starting pitchers currently have a 6.95 ERA through 211 innings.

Garrett Acton Recalled

In order to make room for Blackburn on the roster, the Athletics have recalled relief pitcher Garrett Acton to Triple-A Las Vegas. Like all A’s pitchers this season, Acton has struggled since being called up to the major league roster. In 5 2/3 innings, he has allowed eight earned runs, three home runs, and nine Hits. His ERA sits at a measly 12.71 with a 2.471 WHIP and a 34 ERA+ (66% worse than the league average pitcher). The A’s hope he will get some quality outings in Triple-A so they can bring him back up later on in the season.

Jesús Aguilar Designated for Assignment

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The Athletics announced they are Designating for Assignment veteran first baseman Jesús Aguilar. Aguilar was signed in the 2022 offseason on a “prove-it” contract for one year worth $3 million. He was signed to be used as trade bait at the deadline to try and bolster the A’s lackluster minor league system. Through his first 104 at-bats, Aguilar has a slash line of .221/.281/.385. His 89 OPS+ is 11% less than league average. He has two doubles, five home runs, and nine RBI through 55 games.

Although he’s been average for the A’s and has been out played by rookie Ryan Noda. This move comes as a big surprise. Especially letting him go for nothing. Yes, he could clear waivers and be sent down to Triple-A, but most likely someone will take a chance on the veteran bat. Similar to Blackburn, having his presence in the clubhouse and dugout could have been huge for player development. They would not have gotten a huge return for him, but it would have been better than letting him go for nothing.

Jonah Bride Recalled to the Major League Roster

Jonah Bride, the A’s utility infielder, has been recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas to replace Aguilar. in 2022, through 162 AB on the major league roster, Brides slash line was .204/.301/.247. He had four doubles, one home run, and six RBI. He started his 2023 season with Las Vegas and has been hitting very well.