The Oakland Athletics made adjustments to their pitching staff today, calling up left-handed reliever Sean Newcomb from Triple-A while sending Hogan Harris back to Las Vegas. Additionally, the team transferred LHP Richard Lovelady to the 60-day injured list.https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575068271091

Newcomb, recently acquired from the San Francisco Giants in a minor trade, is a veteran of six MLB seasons, all previously spent in the National League. He began his career as a starter with the Atlanta Braves but transitioned to a bullpen role after two seasons. Initially, the move appeared to suit him well, but his performance quickly declined. After struggling in Atlanta, he was designated for assignment and traded to the Chicago Cubs in 2022, where his difficulties continued, posting an ERA above 9.

Following that rough stretch, Newcomb signed a minor-league deal with the Giants in the offseason and has been pitching in relief for their Triple-A affiliate in Sacramento. He found more success there, recording a 3.15 ERA over 34.1 innings. Although walks have been an issue, he has maintained strong strikeout numbers. The A’s acquired him in exchange for outfielder Trenton Brooks, who was blocked from a major-league opportunity in Oakland.

Newcomb now gets his first shot at big-league action in 2023, providing a left-handed bullpen option in place of Harris. Harris, who pitched 3.2 innings in last night’s win but allowed four runs against a struggling Royals lineup, now returns to Triple-A. He will serve as depth and could be recalled later this month when rosters expand.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the A’s officially moved Lovelady to the 60-day IL. He was already ruled out for the season due to injury, so this move is procedural, though it remains uncertain whether he will be ready for the start of next year.