A's agree to terms with LHP Eric O'Flaherty on two-year contract

OAKLAND, Calif. - The Oakland A's agreed to terms with left-handed pitcher Eric O'Flaherty on a two-year contract through the 2015 season, the club announced today. To clear a spot on the 40-man roster the A's designated outfielder Corey Brown for assignment.
 
O'Flaherty was 3-0 with a 2.50 ERA and .188 opponents batting average in 19 games with Atlanta last year before he was placed on the disabled list May 18 with a strained left elbow. He underwent "Tommy John" surgery on the elbow May 21 and missed the remainder of the season.
 
Over the last three years, the 28-year old has compiled a 1.45 ERA in 161 appearances, which is the lowest mark among Major League relievers with 125 or more innings pitched.   O'Flaherty has held opponents to a .220 batting average over that span, including .156 against left-handed hitters. The left-hander has spent eight seasons in the majors with Seattle (2006-08) and Atlanta (2009-13) and is 20-9 with a 2.85 ERA in 373 career appearances.
 
Brown was acquired from Washington for cash considerations Dec. 19, 2013 after going 2-for-12 (.167) with a home run and RBI in 14 games during a September call-up with the Nationals. He spent the balance of the season with Triple-A Syracuse where he hit .254 with 19 home runs and 56 RBI in 107 games. Brown was originally drafted by the A's as a compensation pick following the first round of the 2007 draft and was traded to Washington as part of the Josh Willingham trade following the 2010 season.