TJ McFarland to the IL, Elvis Alvarado optioned
The Athletics announced a bit of shuffling in their bullpen on Tuesday afternoon, making a couple swaps just hours before starting their road trip to Los Angeles:
The Athletics reinstated right-handed pitcher Michel Otañez from the 15-day injured list and recalled right-handed pitcher Jason Alexander from Triple-A Las Vegas. The A’s placed left-handed pitcher T.J. McFarland on the 15-day injured list retroactive to May 12 with an adductor…
— A’s Communications (@AthleticsPR) May 13, 2025
The return of Michel Otañez should be a major boost to the relief corps. The right-hander saw success in his rookie campaign last season as he posted a 3.97 ERA over 34 innings. He was expected to hold down a spot in the bullpen entering the year but instead has spent the entire season on the injured list. The 27-year-old is finally ready to make his 2025 debut after pitching in five games during his rehab assignment and should give manager Mark Kotsay another reliable option in his bullpen.
The club also recalled fellow righty Jason Alexander from Triple-A. The journeyman right-hander has already made a few relief appearances for the Athletics this season but has been exclusively a starting pitcher with the Aviators. He’s looked fantastic in that role as he’s sporting a 1.27 ERA over five starts in the minors. With Gunnar Hoglund looking good in the fifth starter’s role there isn’t a spot in the rotation at the moment so the 32-year-old Alexander will serve as a long man reliever while he’s with the big league squad.
To make room on the roster the club made the straightforward move to place left-hander TJ McFarland on the injured list after suffering a left adductor strain in his last outing against the Yankees. It was clear that he was hurt so this move is more of a formality at this point. It’s been a rough start to the year for McFarland as he’s got a bloated 5.23 ERA in 18 appearances. That’s much higher than last season’s 3.81 mark so hopefully the down time will give the 13-year veteran a chance at a soft restart to his season.
The club also optioned right-hander Elvis Alvarado back to Triple-A after just two outings with the A’s. The rookie 26-year-old made his debut last weekend against the Yankees and gave up runs in both anppearances against New York. Not the best start to his big league career but Alvarado has had success in Triple-A this season and should get another chance with the big league team at some point this year. For now however he’ll return to the Aviators and likely reclaim his role as the team’s closer.