Oakland A’s call up James Kaprielian for doubleheader, among other roster moves

The Oakland A’s made several roster moves Monday morning, though none are surprises in any way and all had already been previously reported or expected. Nevertheless, this is a chance to take an updated look at the roster after a week of volatility.

First up, the A’s officially signed third baseman Jake Lamb. He was designated for assignment by the Arizona D’Backs last week and became a free agent today, but this addition had already been reported over the weekend and you can click here to learn more about him. Short version: Former All-Star slugger in deep slump looking for bounce-back, to help fill in for the injured Matt Chapman.

To make room for Lamb, pitcher Frankie Montas was placed on the paternity list. Congrats to Frankie and his wife Nicholette! New daughter Ellie will be Montas’ second child. Paternity leave lasts three days maximum, so presumably he’ll be back in time for his next start.

While Montas’ absence cleared space for Lamb on the active roster, the new guy also needed to be added to the 40-man. To create a spot, pitcher A.J. Puk was transferred from the 10-day injured list to the 45-day, which makes sense since he’s having shoulder surgery and it was already safe to assume he’d be out for the year.

That left only one question, regarding who would be called up as the bonus 29th player for Monday’s doubleheader against the Seattle Mariners. It ended up being the most likely candidate, rookie pitcher James Kaprielian.

The right-hander got the same call for the twin-bill last Tuesday but didn’t make it into either game, and then Daulton Jefferies came up to start one half of the most recent double-dip on Saturday but surely isn’t ready to pitch again two days later. The only other likely option was fellow pitcher Paul Blackburn, but Kaprielian has consistently proven to be higher on the depth chart all year. By rule he will be optioned back down at the end of the day.

This is the fourth time Kaprielian has been called up this summer, but he’s only appeared in a game once, for his MLB debut. He pitched two innings in that game, allowing a solo homer and a walk and retiring his other six batters over two solid frames, while reaching 97 mph on the radar. Click here for more info on who he is.

Here’s the updated roster!

10-day IL: RHP Daniel Mengden (coronavirus), 3B Matt Chapman (hip), UT Chad Pinder (hamstring)

45-day IL: LHP A.J. Puk (shoulder), RHP Burch Smith (forearm)

Paternity list: RHP Frankie Montas (Mon-Wed)