A’s claim LHP Travis Blackley off waivers from San Francisco

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Oakland A’s claimed left-handed pitcher Travis Blackley off waivers from the San Francisco Giants, the club announced today.  To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the A’s transferred right-handed pitcher Joey Devine to the 60-day disabled list. A corresponding 25-man roster move will be announced once Blackley reports to Oakland.

Blackley began the season at Triple-A Fresno and was 3-0 with a save and a 0.39 ERA in four games, three starts, with the Grizzlies before he was selected by the Giants May 1.  He posted a 9.00 ERA and .333 opponents batting average in four relief appearances with San Francisco before he was designated for assignment on Sunday.  The 29-year old left-hander made his Major League debut with Seattle in 2004 and also pitched for the Giants in 2007.  Blackley is 1-3 with a 9.30 ERA in 12 career appearances, including eight starts.

A native of Australia, Blackley was originally signed by Seattle as a non-drafted free agent, October 29, 2000.  He spent part of the 2010 season in the A’s farm system, posting a 0-0 record and 1.80 ERA two starts at Single-A Stockton and a 2-1 record and 2.52 ERA in 15 games, four starts with Triple-A Sacramento.  He will become the fourth Australian to play for the A’s this year along with Grant Balfour, Luke Hughes and Rich Thompson.  The A’s are already the first team in Major League history with three Australian-born players.

Devine was placed on the 15-day disabled list March 28 retroactive to March 24 and underwent “Tommy John” surgery on his right elbow April 10.  Dr. James Andrews performed the surgery in Pensacola, Fla., which included an ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, an ulnar nerve transposition and a debridement of the flexor tendon.  Devine also had “Tommy John” surgery on the same elbow April 21, 2009.