Pair of former Oakland A’s sign deals with Winnipeg Goldeyes

A pair of former Oakland A’s relievers are looking to find their way back into the majors. After both Ryan Dull and Josh Lucas failed to return to the major leagues in 2020, they needed to find an opportunity that would allow them that chance. But offers stateside were not forthcoming.

The former A’s teammates are reunited in their quest to return to affiliated ball. Both pitchers have signed with the Winnipeg Goldeyes in the independent American Association.

A fresh start for a pair of Oakland A’s relievers

It was not that long ago that Dull was a weapon in the Oakland A’s bullpen. In 2016, he was a borderline All Star, posting a 2.42 ERA and a 0.874 WHiP, striking out 73 batters with 15 walks in his 74.1 innings. He appeared to be the type of pitcher that could be a key part of the A’s bullpen moving forward.

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Instead, injuries and ineffectiveness ruined his career. He struggled over the next two seasons before bottoming out in 2019, a season he split between three different franchises. Since his breakout campaign, Dull posted a 6.06 ERA and a 1.425 WHiP in his 80 innings, striking out 81 batters, but also issuing 30 walks and giving up 15 homers.

Unlike Dull, Lucas was never able to find that same level of success in the majors. He has spent parts of three seasons at the game’s highest level with three different organizations, posting a 5.54 ERA and a 1.527 WHiP over 37.1 innings. While he did strike out 37 batters, he also issued 20 walks and allowed five homers.

Now both pitchers are hoping that a trek to Canada will make a difference. Lucas had a strong showing in Winnipeg during the truncated season last year, allowing two runs on 12 hits and two walks over 15 innings while striking out 18 batters. Another showing similar to that could lead to another opportunity.

Former Oakland A’s teammates Ryan Dull and Josh Lucas are hoping to find their way back to the majors. For now, they will be teammates once again with the Winnipeg Goldeyes.