Sources: A’s purchase lefty Diekman from Royals
Jeff PassanESPN
CloseESPN MLB insider
Writer of “The Arm: Contained in the Billion-Greenback Thriller of the Most Invaluable Commodity in Sports activities”
The Oakland Athletics acquired left-handed reliever Jake Diekman from the Kansas Metropolis Royals on Saturday, bolstering a bullpen already thought-about among the many most gifted in baseball, sources advised ESPN.
The well-traveled Diekman, 32, joined the Royals as a free agent this winter and had been one of the common gamers on the commerce market main as much as the July 31 deadline. Oakland pounced and can ship two prospects again to Kansas Metropolis, based on sources, after beating out numerous suitors who coveted Diekman’s fastball-slider combine.
Coming into Saturday’s video games, Oakland (58-47) is eight video games behind the Houston Astros within the AL West. The Athletics, nevertheless, are tied with the Boston Crimson Sox for third place in a heated wild-card chase — only a half-game behind the Tampa Bay Rays for the ultimate spot.
Whereas Diekman’s four.75 ERA is under league common, his 13.6 strikeouts per 9 rank 11th amongst relievers and he additionally ranks within the high 25 in lowest dwelling run price. Diekman’s greatest bugaboo has been management, as he’s strolling almost 5 batters per 9, in step with his profession numbers.
With Diekman, Blake Treinen, Liam Hendriks and Lou Trivino, the A’s are assembling one of many hardest-throwing bullpens within the main leagues, hoping to journey it to the postseason as they did final yr.
Oakland’s three.94 bullpen ERA ranks seventh within the majors.
That is the second commerce this month between Kansas Metropolis and Oakland. The A’s acquired starter Homer Bailey for infielder Kevin Merrell on July 14.
Diekman signed a one-year, $2.25 million contract with the Royals within the offseason. The deal included a mutual possibility for the 2020 season. Diekman, who has a profession three.87 ERA, has additionally pitched for the Phillies, Rangers and Diamondbacks throughout his profession.