The A?s are reaching down to the minor leagues for help in the rotation, but it?s not Kendall Graveman getting the call.
Frankie Montas will be called up Sunday to start in place of Trevor Cahill for the series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks. There?s no physical issues with Cahill, A?s manager Bob Melvin just wanted to give him an extra day of rest after throwing a season-high 102 pitches in Tuesday?s loss to the Mariners. Cahill will now start Monday for the first of a four-game home series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
As for calling up Montas as opposed to Graveman, the A?s opening day starter who was optioned down last week, Melvin said the good reports on Montas from the staff at Triple-A Nashville led to the decision.
?He?s throwing upwards of 90-100 pitches, so no restrictions with him,? Melvin said. ?He?s throwing strikes. He?s had a couple of good outings. His breaking ball is gonna take him where he needs to go. He?s got a great fastball. It was working on his off-speed stuff and throwing that for strikes and behind in the count. They feel he has that under control.?
After missing the end of spring with a shoulder injury, Montas was stretched out as a starter in Nashville and was solid. He is 1-5 with a 4.39 ERA in nine starts at Triple-A, having allowed two earned runs or less in three of his last four starts. A corresponding roster move for Montas will need to come before Sunday?s game.
Frankie Montas will be called up Sunday to start in place of Trevor Cahill for the series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks. There?s no physical issues with Cahill, A?s manager Bob Melvin just wanted to give him an extra day of rest after throwing a season-high 102 pitches in Tuesday?s loss to the Mariners. Cahill will now start Monday for the first of a four-game home series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
As for calling up Montas as opposed to Graveman, the A?s opening day starter who was optioned down last week, Melvin said the good reports on Montas from the staff at Triple-A Nashville led to the decision.
?He?s throwing upwards of 90-100 pitches, so no restrictions with him,? Melvin said. ?He?s throwing strikes. He?s had a couple of good outings. His breaking ball is gonna take him where he needs to go. He?s got a great fastball. It was working on his off-speed stuff and throwing that for strikes and behind in the count. They feel he has that under control.?
After missing the end of spring with a shoulder injury, Montas was stretched out as a starter in Nashville and was solid. He is 1-5 with a 4.39 ERA in nine starts at Triple-A, having allowed two earned runs or less in three of his last four starts. A corresponding roster move for Montas will need to come before Sunday?s game.
