The Oakland Athletics announced on Thursday that they have acquired LHP Eury De La Rosa from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for cash considerations. Last season in 25 appearances, De La Rosa went 2-0 with a 2.95 ERA, 1.391 WHIP, and a decent 3.49 FIP.
While De La Rosa does not throw hard, his fastball has good sink and movement to go along with a decent breaking ball. At the age of 25, the Athletics think they have a nice relief arm who is only getting better. The A’s like that he only gave up two HRs and struck out 32 while in the first significant playing time of his career. This acquisition adds to the already deep and talented list of southpaws in the bullpen including Sean Doolittle, Fernando Abad, and Eric O’Flaherty.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Athletics have designated RHP Fernando Rodriguez. Rodriguez had a fantastic season last year considering he was coming off of Tommy John surgery in 2013. In seven appearances, Rodriguez amassed a 1.00 ERA but spent most of the year in the minor leagues due to the fact that the A’s had other proven options. In Triple-A Sacramento, Rodriguez went 3-0 with a 1.97 ERA. The A’s tendered him a contract for 2015, believing he would be used as a major league relief arm. His release was due to the simple fact that the A’s feel they had more reliable options already on the 40-man.
The Athletics have also announced that they have released RHP Jorge De Leon.
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