Oakland A’s make moves to cut roster to 26

Welcome to Cut Down Day! While that is more of a thing in the NFL, Major League Baseball had allowed teams to have 28 players on their active roster for the first month of the season. Now that May 2 is upon us, the Oakland A’s, and every other team, needed to cut their rosters down by two players.

Those cuts have come. The A’s optioned reliever Jake Lemoine to Las Vegas while designating catcher Austin Allen for assignment since he was out of options. Those moves now have the A’s at the 26 player limit, although the roster is likely to have several moving parts.

Austin Allen, Jake Lemoine victims of Oakland A’s roster cuts

It is not a surprise that Allen was designated for assignment. He had fallen out of favor in Oakland as the A’s kept turning to different options in the backup catcher role. The return of Stephen Vogt, coupled with Christian Bethancourt’s versatility, meant that he just did not have a spot on the major league roster any longer.

Lemoine was somewhat surprising given that the A’s have other relievers that have struggled as well. While his numbers thus far – a 5.56 ERA and a 1.412 WHiP over 11.1 innings – do not inspire much confidence, he is a rookie and is generating grounders at a decent clip. With the likes of Justin Grimm and Adam Kolarek on the roster, it makes more sense to give someone with potential upside more of a chance.

It is possible that Lemoine will get another look later this year. The middle of the A’s bullpen promises to be a revolving door with plenty of arms getting a look. Likewise, it is possible that Allen stays in the system, serving as catching depth at Triple-A and there to be called upon if needed.

The Oakland A’s have cut their roster down to 26 players. Austin Allen and Jake Lemoine have been given the boot, at least for now.