The Athletics have sent newly acquired right-hander Brandon Bielak outright to Triple-A Las Vegas after designating him for assignment. It has been quite the month for right-hander Brandon Bielak.
Bielak joined the A’s just a couple of weeks ago after being designated for assignment by the Astros and then traded to Oakland for cash considerations. Bielak had spent his entire career up until the May 16th trade with the Astros who drafted him in 2017. He made his major league debut in 2020 pitching to a 6.75 ERA in the shortened pandemic season. Bielak went on to serve as a long reliever capable of spot starts for Houston over the next three years. Between the 2021-23 seasons, Bielak threw 142 ⅓ major league innings pitching to a 4.05 ERA over that span. While he was not a high strikeout pitcher, Bielak had a strong 48.1% ground ball percentage.
However, he exhausted his option years in the process. As a result, Bielak entered 2024 without any remaining options and a precarious hold on his roster spot. Houston has dealt with several pitching injuries this season and kept Bielak in their bullpen. But his 5.71 ERA over 17 ⅓ innings ultimately led to his departure.
RHP Brandon Bielak has been traded to the Oakland Athletics for cash considerations. Bielak was designated for assignment on Saturday, May 11th to make room for RHP Cristian Javier on the active roster.
— Houston Astros (@astros) May 16, 2024
Oakland Outright Brandon Bielak to Triple-A Las Vegas
After clearing waivers, the Astros traded Bielak to the A’s for cash considerations. Bielak made three appearances for Oakland pitching to a 3.18 ERA over 5 ⅔ innings before he was designated for assignment once again. The Athletics sent Bielak outright to Triple-A Las Vegas indicating that he cleared waivers after being designated for assignment. The other 29 clubs all had an opportunity to claim him off of waivers, but it seems that everyone passed.
Bielak came into this year with two years and 110 days of service time, just 62 days shy of the three-year mark. This is significant because players with three years of service or a prior outright can reject an assignment and choose free agency. Although Bielak lacks prior outright, he likely reached the three-year service mark by accruing service time while in DFA status.
If he stays with Oakland, Bielak should have a good chance of making it back to the majors. Their pitching staff is among the weakest in baseball, the A’s have ten pitchers currently sidelined on the injured list. Oakland also has a reputation for being deadline sellers amid a rebuild which could offer Brandon Bielak more opportunities.
Main Photo Credits: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
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