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Oakland A’s: Joel Payamps gets chance in revolving bullpen

By David Hill

Jul 10, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Joel Payamps (38) delivers a pitch during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 10, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Joel Payamps (38) delivers a pitch during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /
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Another day, another bullpen flier for the Oakland A’s.

Once again, the A’s have turned to the waiver wire in an attempt to solidify their bullpen moving forward. This time, they have brought in Joel Payamps, claiming him off of waivers from the Royals. Paul Blackburn was moved to the 60 day Injured List to free up a roster spot.

Joel Payamps the latest hopeful for Oakland A’s bullpen

The fact that the Royals let Payamps go is slightly surprising in its own right. They are another team desperate for help in the bullpen and he had been useful this season, posting a 3.16 ERA and a 1.453 WHiP over his 42.2 innings. While he had just 33 strikeouts and 16 walks, Payamps also generated grounders on 52.6% of balls put into play.

That ability to generate grounders could make a major difference with the A’s. Even if their offense is subpar at best, they do have the potential for an impressive defensive roster. Nick Allen and Kevin Smith have displayed Gold Glove potential if they can hit enough to be a part of the starting lineup on a consistent basis. Those two could make a major difference for Payamps’ fortunes going forward.

It is possible that Payamps can be a part of the future. While he has seen major league action each season since 2019, he is under team control until 2027. The A’s could have a solid enough option for the middle of their bullpen, something they desperately need, if he can continue his ground ball ways and get outs.

For now, he would be the 21st different reliever to make an appearance for the A’s this year. The bullpen has been a revolving door as they have looked for something to solidify those middle innings. Maybe Payamps can be a part of the solution.

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The Oakland A’s have added another possibility for their bullpen. Joel Payamps has been claimed off of waivers and is the newest hopeful.