From presumed #2 starter to "mop-up-man non grata" to minor league pitcher to major league starter, Sean Gallagher has come full circle. Gallagher makes his first major league of the season, holding one of the keys to any success the A's can hope to have in 2009. The A's simply need a couple of their young starters to step up and they were hoping to ask more of "major league ready" pitchers Gallagher and G. Gonzalez so they wouldn't be so reliant on Cahill and Anderson.
In 3.2 innings of relief against the Angels on Monday night, Gallagher did not issue a walk. Having asked 4.2 IP of the bullpen yesterday, the A's would like to make Gallagher's 80-85 pitch limit translate into as many innings as humanly possible. A 5 inning stint is essential, 6 innings ideal. Pitching well would be good too.
The A's appear to be following a road map I endorsed a few days ago: Calling up relievers as needed to keep enough fresh arms available in the bullpen. Though Outman will not be available in the pen for a few days, Jeff Gray has been added to the roster and Gio Gonzalez is eligible to return Monday, ensuring that the A's will not be too short-handed in the pen this week. Oakland also benefits from off days Monday and Thursday.
Ben Copeland has been DFA to make room for Gray, and Gregorio Petit has been optioned to Sacramento to make room for new 2Bman Adam Kennedy, who makes his Oakland A's debut today against LHP Brian Tallet
