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Oakland A’s giving David McKay a chance

By David Hill

Jul 1, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher David McKay (74) throws a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays during the sixth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 1, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher David McKay (74) throws a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays during the sixth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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David McKay has racked up plenty of Frequent Flyer miles this year. He had signed a minor league deal with the Rays only to be sent to the Yankees before the season began. His time with the Yankees was noted by three treks back and forth from Triple-A before he was designated for assignment, with the Rays bringing him back. McKay spent time in Durham and Tampa Bay before being DFA’d once again.

This time, he is hoping to have a home. McKay’s baseball odyssey has a new stop as he has been claimed off of waivers by the Oakland A’s.

David McKay hoping to have home with Oakland A’s

McKay is certainly going to get a chance. The A’s pitching staff has been a disaster for the most part, with 24 pitchers (and three position players) toeing the rubber this year. The bullpen has been particularly brutal, with 13 different relievers having made at least five appearances this year.

At the same time, McKay has not exactly found much success in the majors. He has posted a 6.46 ERA and a 1.533 WHiP in his 30.2 innings over parts of three seasons, striking out 35 batters with 22 walks. He is a pitcher who, even in his time in the minors, racks up large strikeout and walk numbers while allowing plenty of fly balls.

It is possible that the A’s can get something out of McKay. If they can get him to harness his stuff, his fly ball ways could work in Oakland. As he is just 27 years old and is not eligible for arbitration until 2025, he could be a part of the answer to their bullpen woes. Of course, at this time, McKay likely just wants a place he can stay.

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The Oakland A’s are giving David McKay a chance. Maybe this time, he can get the chance to prove himself in the majors over an extended period.