Injuries & Moves: A's acquire Bielak; Harris optioned
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May 17: RHP Brandon Bielak acquired from Astros; LHP Hogan Harris optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas; LHP Easton Lucas designated for assignment
The A's acquired Bielak from the Astros in exchange for cash considerations on Thursday. Bielak was designated for assignment by Houston on Saturday after posting a 5.71 ERA in 10 relief appearances.
To clear a spot on Oakland’s 40-man roster, Lucas was designated for assignment on Thursday. On Friday, the A's optioned Harris to clear a spot for Bielak on the 26-man active roster. Harris appeared in two games, striking out eight batters over 8 2/3 innings (4.15 ERA).
Bielak, who made 13 starts for the Astros last season and posted a 3.83 ERA over 80 innings, could eventually find himself making some starts for a depleted A’s rotation that has seen three members land on the injured list over the past week.
“In terms of experience, this is one thing we value,” said manager Mark Kotsay. “He’s got two-plus years pitching in the big leagues. He’ll add some depth, and there’s a possibility we build him up with where our rotation is right now. There may be a role for him there.”
10-DAY/15-DAY INJURED LIST
RHP Joe Boyle (lower back strain)
Expected return: Late May
Boyle landed on the 15-day IL on May 6 after he was diagnosed with a lower back strain. On May 17 in Kansas City, manager Mark Kotsay said that Boyle will throw a "two-up" bullpen session on May 19, which simulates throwing pitches and sitting for a period of time before throwing more pitches. (Last updated: May 17)
LHP Scott Alexander (stress reaction in left rib)
Expected return: Late May
Alexander has made four rehab appearances since his injury, with his latest two coming with Triple-A Las Vegas on May 10 and May 14. Alexander didn't record an out and allowed five runs (four earned) on May 10, but bounced back with a scoreless inning of relief on May 14. He will continue his rehab assignment with Las Vegas, and could be activated as soon as the week of May 20. (Last updated: May 17)
LHP Alex Wood (rotator cuff tendinitis)
Expected return: June
After seeing team doctors in Oakland on May 14, Wood was diagnosed with rotator cuff tendinitis and is expected to be shut down from throwing for at least 10-14 days from that date. His 15-day IL placement is retroactive to May 13, though the A’s do not have a timetable for his return at this time. (Last updated: May 15)
OF Miguel Andujar (right knee)
Expected return: Late May
Andujar has joined Triple-A Las Vegas and is expected to begin a rehab assignment with the Aviators on May 16. Having undergone surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee on March 27, he is expected to join the A’s once the club determines he is fully built up. (Last updated: May 14)
RHP Paul Blackburn (right foot stress reaction)
Expected return: June
Blackburn’s placement on the injured list is retroactive to May 11. On May 13, manager Mark Kotsay revealed that the right-hander would be in a walking boot for at least two weeks, which will keep him out longer than the 15-day minimum. (Last updated: May 13)
60-DAY IL
LHP Ken Waldichuk (left elbow sprain)
Expected return: June 2025
Waldichuk underwent a successful Tommy John surgery and internal brace procedure with Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles on May 15. Sidelined for the remainder of the 2024 season, the A’s estimate a recovery timeline of 13 months, which puts Waldichuk in line for a potential return to Major League action next June. (Last updated: May 16)
SS Darell Hernaiz (left ankle sprain)
Expected return: TBD
After Hernaiz exited Oakland’s loss to Texas on May 7 after landing awkwardly on the first-base bag while trying to beat out an infield hit, an MRI exam revealed a “severe” sprain of his left ankle. Currently in a walking boot, he was transferred to the 60-day injured list on May 15, which will keep him sidelined until at least July 7. (Last updated: May 15)
INF Aledmys Díaz (right calf strain)
Expected return: June
Díaz is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas on May 10. Given that he missed most of Spring Training due to injury, the A’s plan to take a slow approach to his rehab process and do not have a timetable for his return at this time. (Last updated: May 8)
LHP Sean Newcomb (left knee irritation)
Expected return: TBD
Newcomb was scheduled to throw a sim game on May 10 at the club's Minor League complex in Arizona. There is no timeline for a return. (Last updated: May 8)
RHP Luis Medina (Grade 2 MCL sprain)
Expected return: June
Medina faced hitters in a 20-pitch live bullpen at the Coliseum on May 6 and came away feeling healthy. He will next head to the club’s Minor League complex in Arizona to throw in a sim game on May 10 and could begin a rehab assignment soon after that. (Last updated: May 6)
RHP Freddy Tarnok (right hip inflammation)
Expected return: June
Tarnok reported to the A’s Minor League complex in Arizona on April 29. He was scheduled to throw a bullpen session on April 30 and a live batting practice session on May 2. Tarnok was transferred to the 60-day injured list on May 3, and there is no timetable for him to begin a rehab assignment. (Last updated: May 4)
RHP Trevor Gott (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: 2025
After feeling discomfort following his Cactus League outing on March 16 against the Brewers, MRI results revealed a full tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in Gott’s right elbow. He is set to undergo Tommy John surgery, which will cause him to miss the entirety of the 2024 season. (Last updated: March 24)