A's recall Scribner to reinforce weary bullpen

OAKLAND -- After a 12-inning contest on Tuesday and a grueling eighth inning on Wednesday, the A's bullpen was in serious need of some relief. Evan Scribner is here to provide it.

Oakland recalled Scribner from Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday, as Jim Johnson was designated for assignment.

Scribner's flight was scheduled to land at 11:30 a.m. PT, and he will be available to pitch in Thursday's rubber match against the Astros.

"We always keep close tabs on Scrib," manager Bob Melvin said. "He's not here all the time, but he is a part of this team."

The 29-year-old right-hander was on the A's Opening Day roster and made two appearances before being optioned. He was with the team again from June 17-20 but did not see any action.

In 37 2/3 innings with Sacramento, Scribner has a 3.35 ERA and an eye-opening 57 strikeouts versus seven walks.

Aside from Scribner, the only members of the A's bullpen who did not pitch both Tuesday and Wednesday are lefties Eric O'Flaherty and Fernando Abad.