OAKLAND -- The A's on Saturday had movement in their bullpen, yet again. Yusmeiro Petit returned from the family medical emergency list, prompting the club to return Josh Lucas to Triple-A Nashville following an impressive showing against the Red Sox.
Lucas needed just 25 pitches to get through three scoreless innings in his A's debut Friday night, offering another glimpse into the team's relief depth. Earlier in the week, hard-throwing Lou Trivino gave the A's similar work in his debut.
"First look was really good," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "I'd kinda be surprised if we didn't see him again at some point.
"During the course of the season, we need depth, so we feel a little bit better about our relief options if we need to reach down and get a couple of these guys."
A's pitchers have been susceptible to the long ball this season, relievers included. Oakland's bullpen is responsible for a Major League-worst 14 homers this season -- four to Emilio Pagan's name. In a situation that would have typically been reserved for Petit, Pagan offered up a go-ahead grand slam to Mitch Moreland in the sixth inning on Friday night.
Melvin maintained his trust in Pagan, who has allowed runs in six of his 10 outings with his new team.
"He's a guy that we brought in here to pitch in games like that," Melvin said. "That's probably going to be Petit's role if we have a second lefty. But when guys aren't available, you have to go to other guys, and we still have a lot of faith in Pagan.
"He's got a good riding fastball, maybe should've tried to use that at that point instead of a first-pitch slider, but sometimes you have to ride through some bumps with some guys, and if you feel like it goes on for too long, then change the roles up a bit."
Phegley joins Nashville
Catcher Josh Phegley was reinstated from the disabled list Saturday and optioned to Triple-A Nashville.
Phegley sustained fractures to the fourth and fifth fingers on his right hand during Spring Training and was out of action until April 10, when he began a Minor League rehab assignment. Between Class A Advanced Stockton and Nashville, he was 4-for-25.