Fowler sent to Triple-A
A’s rookie outfielder Dustin Fowler was demoted to Triple-A Nashville after Wednesday’s game in order to get more regular at-bats, and a hot-hitting outfielder is the best bet to come up to take his spot.
With several left-handed starters set to face the A’s in the next week, including Detroit’s Blaine Hardy on Friday and Francisco Liriano on Sunday, right-handed-hitting Ramon Laureano is the top candidate for promotion. Laureauno, acquired in a minor-league deal with Houston in November, is batting .500 with five homers in his past 11 games, he’s a plus defender at all three outfield spots and he’s on the 40-man roster.
With Nick Martini’s strong recent performance, Fowler’s playing time has been reduced to essentially pinch hitting and pinch running; he made just one start in the past 10 games. Fowler, who is viewed as the future everyday center fielder, has three hits in his past 32 at-bats.
In addition, left-handedhitting outfielder Matt Joyce is reporting progress in his return from a back strain. Joyce had a second epidural shot and said it seems to be doing the trick; he is hopeful he’ll be allowed to resume swinging a bat soon.
Outfielder Boog Powell, who has missed most of the season with knee and hand injuries, came off the disabled list and was optioned to Nashville. Right-hander Carlos Ramirez was designated for assignment. More medical: Utilityman Chad Pinder, who incurred a lacerated elbow in a car accident Saturday, is taking grounders and will begin swinging the bat soon, manager Bob Melvin said.
Starter Andrew Triggs, who is out with nerve irritation in his right arm, began throwing Tuesday after being shut down for more than a month, and right-hander Daniel Gossett had Tommy John surgery in Dallas on Wednesday. Gossett’s procedure was successful, according to the team.
Minor-league starter James Kaprielian, shut down much of the summer by shoulder issues as he was coming back from Tommy John surgery, is throwing off the mound again. Also, minor-league starter Grant Holmes, out since spring training with a shoulder problem, threw 91-94 mph in a simulated game this week and could be pitching in games soon. Briefly: Pitching coach Scott Emerson was away from the team for personal reasons . ... The A’s have pledged $20,000 to help those affected by the Carr Fire near Redding . ... The team will hold African American Heritage Night on Tuesday; as part of the celebration, fans are invited to a pregame mixer and panel discussion with former players Rickey Henderson, Vida Blue and Joe Morgan and team executives at 4:30 p.m. in the Eastside Club.