Josh Outman Sent Down To Minors

Josh Outman is out of the No.5 starter race, as the Athletics announced that they sent him down to Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday. Outman, who was making a comeback from Tommy John surgery, was still a little rusty throughout spring training as he went 0-1 with a 9.82 ERA in five appearances.

The A’s had plenty of options for their No.5 spot, entering spring with guys like Rich Harden, Outman, Brandon McCarthy, Tyson Ross, and Bobby Cramer all vying for the spot.

With Harden, Outman, and a few other candidates now out of the race, only McCarthy, Ross and Cramer remain. Right now, McCarthy appears to be the favorite.

In five appearances (two starts), McCarthy is 1-0 with a 3.05 ERA. He’s put in a little over 20 innings of work thus far, which is more than Cramer’s 12, and Ross’ 9.2.

Cramer and Ross still have a chance, however, as both have played exceptionally well up to this point.