Injuries & Moves: A's acquire Bielak; Lucas DFA'd

Injuries & Moves: A's acquire Bielak; Lucas DFA'd

May 16th, 2024

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May 16: A’s acquire RHP from Astros; LHP designated for assignment
The A's acquired Bielak from the Astros in exchange for cash considerations on Friday. Bielak was designated for assignment by Houston on Saturday after posting a 5.71 ERA in 10 relief appearances.

Having made 13 starts for the Astros last season as he posted a 3.83 ERA in 80 innings, Bielak could eventually find himself making some starts for a depleted A’s rotation that has seen three members land on the injured list over the past week. For now, Bielak is expected to join the active roster ahead of Friday’s series opener in Kansas City and will pitch out in the A’s bullpen.

“In terms of experience, this is one thing we value,” said manager Mark Kotsay. “He’s got two-plus years pitching in the big leagues. He’ll add some depth, and there’s a possibility we build him up with where our rotation is right now. There may be a role for him there.”

To clear a spot on Oakland’s 40-man roster, Lucas was designated for assignment.

May 15: RHP selected and LHP recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas; LHP placed on 15-day injured list; LHP optioned
After manager Mark Kotsay revealed that Wood has been pitching through a shoulder issue that worsened after his start on Sunday in Seattle, the left-hander was sent back to Oakland where MRI results revealed rotator cuff tendinitis. He will be shut down from throwing for at least the next 10-14 days with no timetable for a return at this time. Wood – Oakland’s Opening Day starter – was set to make his next start in Friday’s series opener against the Royals in Kansas City. The A’s are still deciding who will fill his spot in the rotation.

Brooks was called up from Triple-A Las Vegas to make his first Major League start since 2019 on Wednesday against the Astros at Minute Maid Park. The 34-year-old righty, who previously pitched for the A’s in two separate stints in 2015 and 2018-19, has posted a 4.57 ERA in eight starts for the Aviators this season and has yet to allow a home run in 43 1/3 innings pitched. To clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Brooks, infielder Darell Hernaiz, Oakland's No. 4 prospect, was transferred to the 60-day IL.

Basso, rated Oakland’s No. 21 prospect by MLB Pipeline, heads back down to Triple-A Las Vegas after he was recalled on Tuesday but did not pitch. Harris, who is back for his second stint with the A’s this season, is expected to provide length out of the bullpen.

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10-DAY/15-DAY INJURED LIST

LHP (rotator cuff tendinitis)
Expected return: June
After seeing team doctors in Oakland on May 14, Wood was diagnosed with rotator cuff tendinitis and is expected to be shut down from throwing for at least 10-14 days from that date. His 15-day IL placement is retroactive to May 13, though the A’s do not have a timetable for his return at this time. (Last updated: May 15)

OF (right knee)
Expected return: Late May
Andujar has joined Triple-A Las Vegas and is expected to begin a rehab assignment with the Aviators on May 16. Having undergone surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee on March 27, he is expected to join the A’s once the club determines he is fully built up. (Last updated: May 14)

RHP (right foot stress reaction)
Expected return: June
Blackburn’s placement on the injured list is retroactive to May 11. On May 13, manager Mark Kotsay revealed that the right-hander would be in a walking boot for at least two weeks, which will keep him out longer than the 15-day minimum. (Last updated: May 13)

LHP (stress reaction in left rib)
Expected return: Mid-May
Alexander is scheduled to make his next rehab appearance with Triple-A Las Vegas on May 10. If all goes well, there is a chance the left-hander could be activated off the IL at some point during the week of May 13. (Last updated: May 8)

RHP (lower back strain)
Expected return: Late May
Boyle landed on the 15-day IL on May 6 after he was diagnosed with a lower back strain. There is no timetable for a return to action at this time. (Last updated: May 6)

60-DAY IL

LHP (left elbow sprain)
Expected return: June 2025
Waldichuk underwent a successful Tommy John surgery and internal brace procedure with Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles on May 15. Sidelined for the remainder of the 2024 season, the A’s estimate a recovery timeline of 13 months, which puts Waldichuk in line for a potential return to Major League action next June. (Last updated: May 16)

SS (left ankle sprain)
Expected return: TBD
After Hernaiz exited Oakland’s loss to Texas on May 7 after landing awkwardly on the first-base bag while trying to beat out an infield hit, an MRI exam revealed a “severe” sprain of his left ankle. Currently in a walking boot, he was transferred to the 60-day injured list on May 15, which will keep him sidelined until at least July 7. (Last updated: May 15)

INF (right calf strain)
Expected return: June
Díaz is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas on May 10. Given that he missed most of Spring Training due to injury, the A’s plan to take a slow approach to his rehab process and do not have a timetable for his return at this time. (Last updated: May 8)

LHP (left knee irritation)
Expected return: TBD
Newcomb was scheduled to throw a sim game on May 10 at the club's Minor League complex in Arizona. There is no timeline for a return. (Last updated: May 8)

RHP (Grade 2 MCL sprain)
Expected return: June
Medina faced hitters in a 20-pitch live bullpen at the Coliseum on May 6 and came away feeling healthy. He will next head to the club’s Minor League complex in Arizona to throw in a sim game on May 10 and could begin a rehab assignment soon after that. (Last updated: May 6)

RHP (right hip inflammation)
Expected return: June
Tarnok reported to the A’s Minor League complex in Arizona on April 29. He was scheduled to throw a bullpen session on April 30 and a live batting practice session on May 2. Tarnok was transferred to the 60-day injured list on May 3, and there is no timetable for him to begin a rehab assignment. (Last updated: May 4)

RHP (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: 2025
After feeling discomfort following his Cactus League outing on March 16 against the Brewers, MRI results revealed a full tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in Gott’s right elbow. He is set to undergo Tommy John surgery, which will cause him to miss the entirety of the 2024 season. (Last updated: March 24)

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