So much for Nik Turley being a part of the Oakland A’s bullpen. He had seemingly been pushed out of a role when the A’s revamped their relief corps when he initially had a role in their bullpen. It was not a surprise when the A’s placed him on waivers, as he is out of minor league options and was not going to be a part of their 2021 roster.
It did not take long for Turley to find a new home. He was selected off waivers by the Chicago White Sox, with Jimmy Cordero being placed on the 60 day Injured List to create room.
The White Sox today claimed LHP Nik Turley off waivers from the Oakland Athletics. To make room for Turley on the 40-man roster, RHP Jimmy Cordero will be placed on the 60-day injured list.
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) March 21, 2021
Nik Turley no longer had a place on Oakland A’s
The A’s had initially acquired Turley from the Pirates back on January 14 for the ever popular cash considerations. As Jake Diekman, the only other lefty reliever on the 40 man roster, was projected to be the A’s closer, Turley was lined up to have an important role in the Oakland bullpen.
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But then the A’s began to improve their roster. Trevor Rosenthal was signed to be the closer. Oakland acquired Adam Kolarek as part of a trade with the Dodgers, adding another left handed pitcher to the bullpen. A.J. Puk and Cole Irvin could potentially be part of that mix as well, depending on whether or not Puk has time to build up to a starter’s pitch count.
Turley also did not do himself any favors with his performance in spring training. He allowed ten runs on ten hits, including four homers, and four walks over his 4.1 innings. While he struck out eight batters, that was not going to be nearly enough to keep him on the roster.
Now he is heading to another team with postseason aspirations. The White Sox also upgraded their bullpen, adding former A’s closer Liam Hendriks to handle the ninth. They have several left handed options as well, leaving Turley with another uphill battle to make the team. However, his ability to miss bats will get him a look.
Nik Turley has found a new home. After being placed on waivers by the Oakland A’s, he will now try to crack the White Sox bullpen.