OAKLAND -- A's manager Bob Melvin credits Anthony Bourdain's culinary curiosity for inspiring his own.
News of Bourdain's death by suicide was felt deeply in the Melvin home Friday morning. His wife, Kelley, and daughter, Alexi, introduced him to Bourdain's first television venture, "No Reservations," shortly after they moved to New York City in 2006.
"It was absolutely our favorite show," Melvin recalled Friday.
An episode highlighting Manhattan featured Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop. "A day later," Melvin said, "I was there having lunch.
"His footprint, we followed around New York like you wouldn't believe."
Melvin's passion for the culinary scene has since grown to new heights. He finds boundless joy in the dining experience; scouring menus and exploring new restaurants is a fervent hobby of his. He's an investor in the Oakland brasserie The Wolf and also has aspirations of opening his own restaurant someday.
Melvin's cravings for all things culinary can be traced to Bourdain. An expert storyteller, the rock-star chef transcended the culinary bubbly, connecting and humanizing people around the world through food.
"We knew we were excited about trying restaurants, because we knew about the New York food scene, but it was him that led us down the path of where to go," Melvin said. "So we were absolutely in disbelief this morning. It's a sad day.
"He's got a unique personality. He's able to paint a picture, being a former chef, but explain it kind of in layman's terms. There was an edge to him that you couldn't help but like, and he sucked you in with it. He really celebrated the chefs, and it was just his whole way about him that made him so entertaining."
Casilla activated, Dull optioned
The A's reinstated veteran reliever Santiago Casilla from the disabled list ahead of Friday's game against the Royals and demoting right-hander Ryan Dull -- owner of a 5.06 ERA -- to Triple-A Nashville.
Casilla missed two weeks with a right shoulder strain after pitching to a 3.32 ERA and holding opponents to a .153 average in 16 relief appearances. He tossed one scoreless inning in his lone Minor League rehab appearance with Class A Advanced Stockton on Tuesday.
"He was having a really good year for us and pitching in some roles he hasn't pitched in before, and he's as versatile a guy as we've had down there," Melvin said. "He's been a nice piece for us in the bullpen, and it's good to get him back."