Game #154: A’s at Guardians Game Thread

The club optioned left-hander Joe Rock to Triple-A one day after he made his Athletics ' debut. Rock failed to retire any of the three Rays batters he faced, allowing one hit and two walks before exiting with the bases loaded and no outs.

Right-hander Mason Barnett, promoted to start tonight, takes Rock's place on the A's big-league roster. The 25-year-old has bounced between the majors and the minors this season. When Barnett was first called-up earlier this year, he primarily worked in relief. Injuries and struggles from other pitchers later moved him into the A's rotation, where he struggled over four starts before being sent back to Triple-A.

Barnett enters his 19th game and fifth start of the season with a 1-4 record, a 7.08 ERA, a 1.62 WHIP and 38 strikeouts in 40 2/3 innings. He will make his first career start against the Guardians this evening. With the A's rotation in flux, a strong outing could help Barnett earn another opportunity to start before the end of the season.