A’s Notes: Braden, Jackson, Call-Ups & More!

The Oakland A’s were swept away by the Yankees, thus meaning a trip to the postseason for the A’s is now highly unlikely. Entering Friday, the A’s sit 10.0 games back of the Texas Rangers for first-place in the American League West. The A’s will begin a three-game set against the visiting Angels as part of a nine game home-stand.

The A’s pitching staff had been incredible up until the series in New York, where the staff allowed 29 runs to cross home-plate. As a direct result, the A’s staff ERA rose to 3.56—which is still 4th best in the AL. The A’s offense did its best, but despite their efforts, the currently sit three games under the .500 mark.

Dallas Braden, who was Thursday’s starter, lasted five innings, but was removed due to cramping in his legs. The A’s fiery starter allowed just one run, two hits and struck out four before departing. The A’s don’t see this as a serious injury, in fact, it’s suspected that Braden suffered cramps due to the hot weather in NY.

Meanwhile, the A’s received news that outfielder, Connor Jackson, had a sports hernia surgery. The A’s note that the surgery went well, and that Jackson should be able to resume baseball activities in a couple of weeks. On the year, Jackson has played in just 18 games for the A’s. He was hitting .228/.362/.316 with a homer and five RBIs. On the year, Jackson is hitting .236/.336/.327 with two homers and 16 RBIs.

While this may be a little late, the A’s called-up two right-handed pitchers as their September call-ups. Many figured that the A’s would go with Chris Carter, Michael Taylor or one their other talented young hitters. However, with Carter injured and Taylor sent off to the Arizona Fall League, the A’s decided to go with pitching depth rather than offense.

The A’s called up Justin James, and Ross Wolf. For more on these call-up’s, you can click here. Personally, I would have loved to have seen Taylor up in the big-leagues, but the A’s aren’t exactly in any playoff race, so I guess the A’s front office figured it’d be best to give Taylor a little more seasoning in the AFL.