A's Johnson showing closer form of late

OAKLAND -- Jim Johnson was signed to be the Athletics' closer this season, but a poor start forced Oakland to utilize a closer-by-committee format.

That may be changing. Johnson is 3-0 with a save and has not allowed an earned run over his last 10 outings, a span of 12 innings.

"We're not afraid to close with him, or with some other guys," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "Right now, there is no set closer, but he has put himself into position to be in there."

Johnson is one of three relievers who have saved games for the A's this season, joined by Luke Gregerson, who has three, and Sean Doolittle, who has one.

Johnson's recent streak dropped his ERA to 4.11, slightly better than Doolittle's 4.24.

The A's bullpen owns a 2.65 ERA, tops in the American League.

Doolittle's current streak of 29 innings without issuing a walk ranks fourth in Oakland history. He has also stranded his past 25 inherited runners, a streak that dates to June 22 of last year.