In order to make room for the recently acquired INF/OF Danny Valencia, the Oakland Athletics optioned switch-pitcher Pat Venditte to Triple-A Nashville. Venditte had just completed his rehab assignment and was set to rejoin the team on Monday. However, he ended up staying in Nashville once he finished all of his rehab work.
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Even though this move was necessary since Valencia needed to be on the 25-man roster, the A’s should have made room elsewhere in order to keep Venditte in the bullpen in Oakland. The Athletics’ relief staff has struggled mightily this season and Venditte was one of the A’s most consistent pitchers – even if it was just for a short amount of time.
Venditte came up from Triple-A on June 5 and made his MLB debut with the A’s at Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox. His relief appearance sparked a media frenzy since he is one of only two ambidextrous pitchers in the majors in the modern era. Venditte quickly proved that his pitching style was not a circus act and that he had true talent from both the left and the right side.
In the 5.2 innings he pitched for the Oakland Athletics, Venditte only allowed one hit and two walks. Unfortunately, he strained his right shoulder on June 12. Perhaps it was due to the fact that he pitched 2.1 innings on June 10, which was the most amount of innings he had pitched in almost a month. He has been on the disabled list since.
However, Venditte continued to show promise during his rehab assignment with the A’s minor league affiliates the Stockton Ports and Nashville Sounds. During his time with these two teams, Venditte struck out six, walked none and only allowed two solo home runs over 5.2 IP. This only mirrors the success he has found in Triple-A this season. While with the Nashville Sounds this year, Venditte has a 1.30 ERA with 34 strikeouts over 34.2 innings pitched. Additionally, he has only allowed five hits and one homer.
As stated by Susan Slusser, optioning Venditte to Triple-A was the easiest move for the Oakland Athletics to make once Valencia was acquired off waivers and since Aaron Brooks’ had such a fantastic start on Saturday. Hopefully this move is only temporary and the Athletics will be able to shift around their roster in order to get Venditte back up to Oakland. Because of the success that Venditte demonstrated in Triple-A and in the MLB this year, the Athletics need Venditte in their bullpen if they expect to win – especially those close, one-run games.
Next: Oakland Athletics Claim Danny Valencia Off Waivers From Toronto