Oakland Athletics reshuffle rotation as Severino injury deepens pitching crisis
The Athletics face a congested rotation with Luis Severino, Aaron Civale, and Brooks Kriske on injured lists, while Jacob Wilson recovers from a shoulder strain.
Oakland Athletics manager Mark Kotsay has initiated a significant reshuffle of the pitching rotation following the placement of starting pitcher Luis Severino on the 15-day injured list with a strained right shoulder. The move comes as the team navigates a period of heightened roster instability, with Severino expected to be sidelined for a minimum of four to six weeks.
To address the vacancy, the Athletics recalled right-handers Kade Morris and Mason Barnett from Triple-A Las Vegas ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Cubs. Morris, a third-round pick in the 2023 amateur draft out of the University of Nevada, is seeking his Major League debut after posting a 5-3 record with a 4.45 ERA in 11 starts for the minors. He was acquired in a July 2024 trade with the New York Mets for Paul Blackburn.
Barnett, who previously pitched two scoreless innings for Oakland on April 19 against the Chicago White Sox, joins Morris in the call-up. Kotsay noted that the bullpen has been strained by the ongoing injuries, stating that the recalled pitchers would provide necessary length while the staff determines which prospect will fill the rotation vacancy.
The roster adjustments also saw right-hander Michael Kelly and left-hander Jacob Lopez sent down to the minors. Lopez, who started Sunday’s 13-8 loss to the New York Yankees and surrendered seven runs in two-plus innings, holds a 4-3 record with a 6.75 ERA this season. Additionally, right-hander Brooks Kriske was transferred to the 60-day injured list, further complicating the pitching staff’s depth chart.
Oakland is managing multiple concurrent absences beyond Severino. Right-hander Aaron Civale was placed on the 15-day injured list last week due to shoulder tendinitis, while All-Star shortstop Jacob Wilson is recovering from a left shoulder injury. Wilson is currently with the team in Chicago and may begin a minor league rehab assignment this weekend. Gage Jump was previously recalled from Las Vegas and was slated to make his second Major League start in the opener of the three-game series against the Cubs.
The Athletics are scheduled to conclude their series against the Chicago Cubs before beginning a weekend set against the Houston Astros on Friday night. With the next off-day not until June 11, Kotsay must navigate the remainder of the schedule with a reshaped rotation and a bullpen under increased load.
