Evan Scribner recalled to shore up Athletics bullpen, Drew Pomeranz optioned to Low-A

The Oakland Athletics announced on Twitter that right-handed relief pitcher Evan Scribner has been recalled from the Sacramento River Cats. Drew Pomeranz has been optioned to Class Low-A Beloit, indicating that the A's intend to recall Pomeranz on September 2 after Beloit's season ends. The A's High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A teams have either clinched or on pace for berths in their league postseasons, which would mean players optioned to them could not return until 10 days elapsed or the teams exited the postseason. This move restores the A's to a normal seven-man bullpen.

While Nate Freiman will report at have plate appearances for the Beloit Snappers, it is not known if Drew Pomeranz will be asked to report to Beloit as well. Pomeranz will need rest after his start on Wednesday, August 27 against the Houston Astros.

Looking ahead, the A's can still make one more costless roster move to Low-A tomorrow on Friday by optioning Sonny Gray to Beloit. As Gray will be pitching tonight against the Angels, there will be no need for Gray to remain on the active roster between August 29 through September 1, and can be recalled to make his regular start on September 2 against the Seattle Mariners at the Coliseum.

As suggested earlier this morning, the A's might want to consider Tyler Ladendorf, who has hit left-handed pitching well in the minor leagues. The A's are likely to face two left-handed pitchers after today: (1) Saturday's starter for the Angels is likely to be either left-handed pitcher Randy Wolf or left-handed pitcher Michael Roth, and (2) Monday's starter for the Mariners is slated to be left-handed pitcher Roenis Elias.

The A's could also call on an eighth reliever, such as right-handed pitcher Fernando Rodriguez or left-handed pitcher Joe Savery. The only two position players on the 40-man roster eligible for recall currently are outfielders Shane Peterson and Billy Burns.