Changeup in the bullpen
The A’s announced a roster move in the hours leading up to their series opener with the New York Yankees, announcing that left-hander T.J. McFarland was designated for assignment with right-hander Elvis Alvarado taking his spot on the active roster:
The Athletics recalled right-handed pitcher Elvis Alvarado from Triple-A Las Vegas and designated left-handed pitcher T.J. McFarland for assignment, the club announced today. The A’s also announced that they have released outfielder Seth Brown.
— A’s Communications (@AthleticsPR) June 27, 2025
This could spell the end of McFarland’s time with the Athletics. The 36-year-old veteran initially joined the A’s in a minor trade with the Dodgers during Spring Training 2024. In what was his second stint with the club (he also pitched for the A’s in 2020), McFarland turned in a great season during what was his 12th big league year. In a league-leading 79 appearances the lefty posted a 3.81 ERA in 56 2⁄3 innings, continuing to post strong ground ball numbers and keeping the ball in the park as a reliable lefty option for the A’s. That was enough to entice the team to bring him back on a 1-year, $1.8 million contract. Cheap, but based off McFarland’s previous year more than worth the investment.
That isn’t how things have gone here in 2025. The lefty has made 27 appearances for the A’s and posted a dismal 6.89 ERA, allowing 12 runs in just 15 2⁄3 innings. The bullpen has been the team’s weakest link this year and McFarland has been a big reason why, and now the team is cutting bait. He’ll pass through waivers and based off his season last year, his handedness, and his cheap contract, it seems very possible that he could be claimed by a contending team in need of left-handed bullpen reinforcements.
Alvarado meanwhile takes McFarland’s place in the ‘pen. The rookie right-hander made his major league debut earlier this season, and this will be his third stint with the club already. In each of his two previous call-ups he made two appearances before getting sent back to Triple-A. He’s given up at least one run in each outing so far for the A’s and has a sky-high 7.50 ERA to start his big league career. He’s done far better in Vegas for the Aviators’, posting a 3.38 ERA with eight saves in nine chances. He’ll occupy a spot in the backend of the Athletics’ bullpen and handle mop up duties until he shows some progress at the game’s highest level.