The Oakland Athletics sent pitcher Chris Bassitt on optional assignment to Triple-A Nashville to activate right-handed reliever Edward Mujica. In five relief appearances for the Athletics, Bassitt tossed 10⅔ innings and conceded five hits, allowed nine walks, and struck out eight batters for a 3.38 ERA. Before joining the A's on April 23, Bassitt made two starts and a lengthy relief appearance for Nashville, throwing 16 innings and conceding 12 hits, allowing four walks, and striking out 16, also for a 3.38 ERA.
Bassitt may rejoin the Nashville starting rotation as the A's ponder how to deal with an underperforming Drew Pomeranz, and could be in the mix with Sean Nolin to take that spot in the rotation. As to who is the current long reliever in Oakland? Angel Castro had been making tandem starts with Ryan Verdugo lasting between three and five innings until roster maneuvers pushed Castro back into a short relief role beginning May 1.
The A's acquired Edward Mujica and cash from the Boston Red Sox on May 9 in exchange of a player to be named or cash considerations. The A's transferred Jarrod Parker to the 60-day disabled list on that date to clear a 40-man spot for Mujica.