MESA, Ariz. (Mar 20) \u2014 As Opening Day draws closer, the relief corps of the Athletics<\/a> is taking its final shape. Right-hander Mitch Spence<\/a><\/strong> will have multiple roles. Additionally, all but one reliever will have the ability to go two innings if needed.<\/p>\n As reported by Martin Gallegos of MLB.com<\/a>, Athletics manager Mark Kotsay<\/strong><\/a> announced Wednesday that the fifth pitcher in the starting rotation will be Joey Estes<\/a><\/strong>. This means Spence will be part of the relief corps. Spence will have multiple roles. \u201cHe\u2019s the Joker in the deck, where you can use him in any capacity out of the bullpen,\u201d Kotsay said Thursday. \u201cYou can make a spot start with him; you could open the game with him. (We) could pitch him in the eighth inning if you need a leverage guy. I think he has all the weapons to do that and have success. In my conversation with him, it was a big, big reason to move him into the \u2018pen and have him impact more games for us.\u201d<\/p>\nMitch Spence to Be Bullpen Wild Card<\/h3>\n
All but Miller: Multi-inning Ability<\/h3>\n