A’s cut ties with ‘true Bay Area hero’ Santiago Casilla

SAN FRANCISCO -- The A's made a series of roster moves Saturday, most notably designating veteran relief pitcher Santiago Casilla for assignment.

The former Giants right-hander struggled with his control this season, walking 20 batters in 31 1/3 innings. He posted a 3.16 ERA in 26 appearances.

“(Casilla) needs regular work and wasn't able to get regular work with us, and it kind of affected his performance some,” said A's manger Bob Melvin. “We think the world of him. He's a great guy. ... Hopefully he catches on somewhere else where he can get some regular work and perform in the fashion that he expects to.”

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Casilla, 37, signed with the A's in 2017, but struggled in the closer role, blowing seven saves in 23 opportunities, and finishing last year with a 4.27 ERA. He spent the previous seven seasons with the Giants, winning three World Series titles.

“This guy is a true Bay Area hero,” Melvin praised. “He was a big personality in our clubhouse too, so it was difficult on that front. We do have some younger guys who we feel like need to get to the big leagues.”

Casilla started his MLB career with the A's in 2004. He has spent his entire 15-year big league career between Oakland and San Francisco, going 42-31 with a 3.29 ERA and 144 saves.

In other moves Saturday, the A's reinstated starting pitcher Daniel Mengden from the DL and optioned him to Triple-A Nashville, along with reliever Ryan Dull, and called up infielder Franklin Barreto and relief pitcher J.B. Wendelken.