Coulombe joins A's ready to impress

ARLINGTON -- An already crowded bullpen welcomed left-hander Daniel Coulombe into the mix on Friday, a day after he was dealt by the Dodgers for cash considerations.

Coulombe, 25, had five stints with the Dodgers this season, posting a 7.56 ERA, and he compiled a 3.27 ERA in 38 appearances for Triple-A Oklahoma City.

"It was definitely a humbling experience and a learning experience, but any time you get to pitch in the big leagues it's a good experience," Coulombe said.

Coulombe last pitched on Sept. 4 and is expected to throw at least one or two bullpen sessions in front of his new employer before appearing in a game.

Manager Bob Melvin has 11 bullpen options, many of them looking to impress enough to warrant consideration for next season's roster. Melvin will give them that opportunity so long as the situation allows for it.

"It's important that we do that during this time," Melvin said, "but you also have to balance the fact that you're playing some teams that are fighting for a postseason berth."

Coulombe, who has played in the Arizona Fall League with right-hander Chris Bassitt, was told by his new teammate, "You come in and pitch well, you're going to get many opportunities with this organization. It's really exciting."