Cam Bedrosian should help beleaguered back of bullpen

The Oakland A’s are back atop the AL West after defeating the Angels 6-4 on Friday. It has not always been the easiest road, but the A’s have been able to overcome a slow start, numerous injuries to their rotation, and an inconsistent bullpen to post a 27-19 record entering Saturday’s game.

Those rotation issues and constant close games have led to the back of the A’s bullpen becoming a constant presence. Yusmeiro Petit, Lou Trivino, and Jake Diekman have all appeared in at least 20 games already this season. While Petit does lead the AL in wins and appearances, these arms could use a break. In theory, this is where Cam Bedrosian could step in.

Oakland A’s need Cam Bedrosian to help back of bullpen

Once a mainstay in the back of the Angels bullpen, Bedrosian had seen his effectiveness decrease over the years. His strikeout rate had begun to plummet, and his velocity decreased. Although he was able to earn a spot with the Reds on their Opening Day roster, he was eviscerated in his six outings, allowing seven runs and 16 baserunners in 5.2 innings.

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But there are promising signs for Bedrosian. His velocity had improved during his time in Triple-A, as he was sitting in the mid 90s with his fastball. He also had respectable results in Las Vegas, allowing just two hits and a walk over five shutout innings, striking out five batters while recording a save.

Bedrosian likely will not need to pitch the ninth inning very often in Oakland. Trivino has locked his role down, but may need the occasional day off. In having someone with a bit of experience as a closer, the A’s will have less to worry about when that happens. This would also be the same with the seventh or eighth innings, making the back of the bullpen that much deeper.

Of course, this is entirely contingent on Bedrosian returning to form. His struggles earlier this season, and his decreased effectiveness prior, make that a somewhat risky proposition. However, for the A’s, it is a worthwhile gamble, especially as they need someone to step up to give the back of their bullpen a bit of a break.

The Oakland A’s need to find a way to decrease the workload for the back of their bullpen. Hopefully, Cam Bedrosian can be the answer.