The A’s introduced this afternoon that they’ve designated right-hander Brandon Bielak for task. Proper-hander Joe Boyle was recalled to the large league roster in a corresponding transfer, and Oakland’s 40-man roster now stands at 39.
It’s the second time this yr Bielak has been DFA’d by the A’s. He was first faraway from the membership’s 40-man roster shortly after the membership acquired him in a money cope with the Astros again in Could, and the righty was promptly outrighted to Triple-A after simply three appearances within the majors. Bielak then struggled with Oakland’s Triple-A affiliate in Las Vegas, with a 6.08 ERA in 66 2/3 innings of labor throughout 16 appearances (13 begins) however nonetheless was chosen again onto the roster two weeks in the past. He’s made three appearances for the A’s since returning with lackluster outcomes, as he’s surrendered 4 runs on eight hits in 6 2/3 innings of labor, putting out simply two whereas strolling 5.
An Eleventh-round choose by the Astros within the 2017 draft, Bielak pitched for Houston on the large league stage in every of the previous 5 seasons earlier than being swapped to Oakland. He served as a stable back-of-the-rotation arm and swing man from 2021-23, with a mixed 4.05 ERA (104 ERA+) and 4.78 FIP in 48 video games (15 begins) throughout these years. The righty started to battle with the membership within the majors this yr, nonetheless, and in ten appearances as a multi-inning reliever surrendered a 5.71 ERA whereas strolling (8.4%) practically as many batters as he struck out (10.8%). These struggles have clearly continued with the A’s, and his 2024 season involves an finish with a 5.16 ERA and 5.93 FIP in 29 2/3 innings of labor. Assuming Bielak as soon as once more clears waivers, he’ll have the chance to reject an outright task in favor of heading to free company for the primary time in his profession.
As for Boyle, the right-hander returns to the membership’s roster to shut out the season after making simply 4 look within the majors since Could 5 as a result of accidents and a stint within the minor leagues. Acquired from the Reds in change for Sam Moll eventually yr’s commerce deadline, Boyle impressed with a 1.69 ERA in three begins for the A’s down the stretch final yr however has had a rocky marketing campaign this in 2024, which he kicked off by getting lit up for eight runs (seven earned) in 2 2/3 innings throughout his first begin of the yr. Boyle would go on to settle in a bit with a 4.13 ERA and a 24% strikeout price in his subsequent 5 begins, however his potential turnaround was lower brief by a decrease again pressure that despatched him to the IL in early Could.
That stint on the shelf didn’t final very lengthy, however Boyle discovered himself optioned to the minor leagues as soon as he was wholesome sufficient to return and struggled on the Triple-A stage with a 5.12 ERA in 15 appearances, together with 13 begins. Boyle ultimately received known as again as much as the large leagues final month and struck out a powerful 28.2% of opponents in three begins, however surrendered a 5.40 ERA over that point and was moved to the bullpen, the place he was promptly lit up for 3 runs on three walks and a hit-by-pitch whereas recording only one out. That disastrous outing resulted in Boyle’s second demotion of the yr, however he’s now set to return to the majors in hopes of placing collectively a end to the yr that improves upon his brutal 7.12 ERA in 43 main league innings this yr.
