The MLB trade deadline is just over a month away and the Athletics likely will be buyers as they battle with the Houston Astros for the AL West crown.
There have been rumors of a possible trade for Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story, but it appears the main priority for the A’s is in the bullpen. At least for now, says general manager David Forst.
“The bullpen is always a place where there is some supply -- there are arms out there, but every team that’s in it is going to be looking for a bullpen arm over the next 35 days -- or whatever we are until the deadline,” Forst recently told NBC Sports California’s Brodie Brazil. “We’re going to continue to evaluate the club over the next month, I think we know where we would hope to make some additions, this group has played great. Anytime our group is in it, come the end of July, they deserve to have some additions made. The bullpen is a place where we need to make sure we have the depth.”
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Any team that is in the thick of a postseason race will go after pitching targets. No team could have too much depth, and the A’s could use some extra arms.
Jesús Luzardo has been sent to Triple-A Las Vegas after struggling with the big league club, posting a 6.87 ERA in both starting and reliever roles this season. Forst said he anticipates Luzardo to eventually get back to a starting role, but he could be utilized in the bullpen. There are other problems, though.
J.B. Wendelken currently is in the midst of a rehab assignment after sustaining an oblique injury and his availability is unknown at this time. Last season, he was a valuable member of the bullpen and posted a 1.80 ERA.
With Trevor Rosenthal being diagnosed with severe neurovascular compression and landing on the 60-day IL, it makes sense the team would want to make the bullpen stronger.
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“We know from a consistency standpoint, from an injury standpoint, we’re going to need all the help we can get,” Forst added.
Now, with Jake Diekman, Yusmeiro Petit and Lou Trivino, there is talent there to get the job done, but having more depth for a playoff run never is a bad thing.
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Forst made it clear the team plans to be aggressive heading toward the July 30 deadline, but you never know what could happen.
“The goal of the trade deadline if you’re a buyer is to augment your major league club and not take away from it, but we’ll see how it plays out,” Forst said.