Wendelken’s playoff status unclear
Less than a week before playoffs start, the A’s placed reliever J.B. Wendelken on the injured list Thursday, raising the question of whether they could go into the first round without a key member of the bullpen.
The team did not specify a reason for placing Wendelken on the injured list and reporters were told manager Bob Melvin could not provide additional details on his video call before Thursday’s game against the Dodgers. Righthander James Kaprielian was recalled to the active roster.
An injurylist designation without specifics this year is likely to invoke the potential of a positive coronavirus test; however, MLB protocols specify that placement on the injured list is not a confirmation that a player has tested positive for the virus. A player also could be placed on the IL for reasons including exposure to a positive case or symptoms requiring further assessment.
It was not specified whether Wendelken was placed on the 10day injured list or otherwise. Per MLB’s operations manual, a COVID19 injured list exists for this year that requires no minimum or maximum length of stay.
Wendelken has compiled a strong season in the A’s bullpen. In 21 outings, he’s 11 with a 1.80 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 25 innings and has stranded 17 of 25 inherited runners (68%). Entering Thursday, Wendelken had inherited the most runners of any pitcher in the majors. He last pitched in Tuesday’s series opener against the Dodgers, throwing two innings and allowing one unearned run.
Options to help fill Wendelken’s role include Jordan
Weems — who entered Thursday having allowed one run with 13 strikeouts in six outings (eight innings) since being recalled from the A’s alternate site Aug. 24 — and Lou Trivino. Kaprielian has made one appearance for the A’s this season — his majorleague debut Aug. 16, when he pitched two innings against the Giants.
Kaprielian will be available in relief and likely isn’t a candidate to start either game in Saturday’s doubleheader against Seattle, Melvin said. Kaprielian’s recent work has been limited to bullpen sessions and, as a taxisquad member, he hasn’t faced hitters since the A’s left for Los Angeles.
Briefly: Utilityman Chad Pinder (right hamstring strain) took batting practice Wednesday and is “getting close” to returning, Melvin said, “But we’re really holding out potentially for the postseason.” Pinder could pinchhit in the final series against Seattle or get atbats against the A’s taxisquad pitchers when the team returns to Oakland. … The A’s have not named starters for Saturday’s doubleheader or Sunday’s season finale against Seattle.