Oakland Athletics’ Roster Moves: Davis, Doolittle and Otero

Sean Doolittle

May 27, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Sean Doolittle (62) pitches the ball against the Detroit Tigers during the sixth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

According to the Oakland Athletics, left-handed relief pitcher Sean Doolittle has been reinstated from the 60-day disabled list after being sidelined with a shoulder strain in late-May. Joe Stiglich of Comcast SportsNet California reported at the time that the south paw felt cause for concern — concluding the series finale against the Detroit Tigers. However, by Friday, the injury substantially increased, enough so that the 2014 American League All-Star was shutdown for the time being.

Doolittle felt pain in shoulder Wed night after pitching, then really bothered him throwing Fri. Different than before — back of shoulder. Doolittle got MRI this morning. No tear, just inflammation in shoulder blade and into shoulder capsule a bit.

There appeared to be some concern for the former closer as he topped out around 88 miles an hour in his 2015 debut for the Athletics. After posting an impressive 2.73 ERA in 2014 and recording 22-of-26 saves in 2014, Doolittle has made significant strides in his road to recovery with stints for High-A Stockton and Triple-A Nashville.

Despite his decline in velocity, Doolittle gradually built his strength back up, which was noted in his most recent outing for the Nashville Sounds.

At this particular moment, the lefty from the University of Virginia sits around 92-93 miles an hour on the radar gun; and given enough time, that should increase without a doubt. After several setbacks over the course of the calendar year, expect Doolittle to come back stronger than ever as a crucial piece to the A’s relief corps — not only for the rest of 2015 campaign, but in 2016 as well.

Ike Davis

April 21, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics first baseman Ike Davis (17) pitches the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Known for his numbers at the plate, A’s first baseman Ike Davis has shown flashes of brilliance on the mound after making two relief appearances for the green and gold on April 21 against the Angels, and most recently opposing the Baltimore Orioles on August 16. On the flip side, the Arizona State graduate will reportedly undergo season-ending hip surgery on a torn hip labrum. Stiglich mentioned yesterday that Davis had been feeling some discomfort since May, but has ultimately battled through the pain — posting a .229/.301/.350 slash line in 74 games for the Athletics. Considering the fact that Davis is arbitration eligible and making a total of $3.8 million this season, there is a possibility that he could return to the A’s next year. However, with Mark Canha and Jake Smolinski taking reps at first base, it would seem that Oakland, who is building for the future, will be more than fine with the departure of Davis.

Dan Otero

Aug 29, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Dan Otero (61) walks off the field after being relieved in the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

With Doolittle’s return, a corresponding roster move was made as Dan Otero was optioned to Triple-A Nashville today. After a solid 2014 campaign, the 30-year-old from Miami, Florida posted inconsistent numbers for the Athletics bullpen — as proven by a 2-4 record with a 7.68 ERA in 30 appearances for the green and gold this season. There isn’t a given explanation as to why Otero has struggled mightily in 2015; whether it is injury related remains uncertain. However, knowing the veterans track record, expect him to bounce back in 2016 for the A’s or a series of organizations around the majors.

Next: Oakland Athletics' Danny Valencia Should Be The Starting Third Baseman in 2016