After being called up to the Major Leagues only a week ago, Pat Venditte, the first major league switch-pitcher in over 20 years finds himself on the 15-day disabled list with a right shoulder strain. Venditte, a 29-year old rookie, has been a bright spot in an otherwise uninspiring, underachieving, and unreliable A’s bullpen.
So far in his big league career, Venditte has pitched in 4 games, totaling 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing only one hit, striking out four, and walking two (one batter with each hand.) His most impressive outing came against the Texas Rangers on Wednesday where he pitched 2 1/3 innings including a three pitch strikeout to end the fourth with the Ranger threatening. The A’s would go on to win the game with a walk-off.
While Venditte can pitch with both arms, his biggest advantage comes with the fact that he can match up against any platoon. Without that advantage, Venditte becomes an average low-velocity relief pitcher.
To take his spot in the bullpen, the Athletics have called up RHP Arnold Leon. This is Leon’s second call-up this season to the bullpen.
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