Mujica set to join bullpen for opener with Red Sox
Veteran right-hander acquired Saturday in trade with Boston
SEATTLE -- Right-hander Edward Mujica, acquired by the A's in a trade with Boston on Saturday, will join the club in time for Monday's series opener against the Red Sox at the Coliseum.
Mujica is in line to become the 14th reliever already used by the A's this season, amid a stretch of woeful bullpen performances. The club's relief corps entered the day with a Major League-worst 5.14 ERA.
Mujica, who celebrated his 31st birthday Sunday, had a 4.61 ERA in 11 appearances for the Red Sox before he was designated for assignment, but his career ERA falls in at 3.79 spanning 10 seasons. He's also considered an excellent bullpen leader.
A's manager Bob Melvin could test him out in several roles.
"Right now, our roles are probably not what we envisioned early on," Melvin said. "Like I've said before, I talked to the bullpen about roles, and they just have to be ready for anything.
"Depending on availability, he's been pretty versatile in the bullpen where he's pitched before, anywhere from real late to middle of the game."