A's announce roster for Japan exhibition games

Thirty players will travel for pair of contests vs. Nippon-Ham Fighters

March 14th, 2019

MESA, Ariz. -- The A’s revealed the list of 30 players they’ll carry to Japan on the eve of their overseas trip Wednesday.

All 30 will be active for a pair of exhibition games against the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters on Sunday and Monday, but the A’s will have to cut that group down to 28 before the two-game Opening Series with Seattle on March 20-21 and declare an active 25-man roster for each game.

Right-handers Mike Fiers and Marco Estrada have been assigned regular season starts against Seattle. Prior to that, right-hander Liam Hendriks will toe the rubber in what’s scheduled to be an all-bullpen day for the A’s in the first exhibition game, with Brett Anderson getting the second game against the Fighters.

Along with closer Blake Treinen, the A’s overseas relief corps will feature Chris Bassitt, Jerry Blevins, Ryan Buchter, Ryan Dull, Frankie Montas, Yusmeiro Petit, Joakim Soria, Lou Trivino and J.B. Wendelken.

Montas and Bassitt are still being considered for two open rotation spots. Their competition, Aaron Brooks and top prospect Jesus Luzardo, will remain in Mesa, Ariz., to get their work in.

The A’s will have three catchers with them in Japan. Beau Taylor, who has been in the organization since 2011, is along for the ride next to Nick Hundley and Josh Phegley.

Prospect Franklin Barreto, who dazzled with a .375 average this spring all the while adjusting to the outfield, has also earned a ticket to Tokyo. An Opening Day roster spot is less likely, though, with Chad Pinder pegged as the team’s super utility man.

The A’s will also have infielder Cliff Pennington in tow as a backup. Pennington made the trip with the A’s to Japan in 2012.

The full roster:

Pitchers: Brett Anderson, Chris Bassitt, Jerry Blevins, Ryan Buchter, Ryan Dull, Marco Estrada, Mike Fiers, Liam Hendriks, Frankie Montas, Yusmeiro Petit, Fernando Rodney, Joakim Soria, Blake Treinen, Lou Trivino, J.B. Wendelken

Catchers: Nick Hundley, Josh Phegley, Beau Taylor

Infielders: Franklin Barreto, Matt Chapman, Matt Olson, Cliff Pennington, Chad Pinder, Jurickson Profar, Marcus Semien

Outfielders: Mark Canha, Khris Davis, Robbie Grossman, Ramon Laureano, Stephen Piscotty