Hatcher happy to pitch in
Because Chris Hatcher hadn’t appeared in a big-league game since June 22 until Wednesday, there might be some questions about what the righthander whom the A’s acquired from the Dodgers on Tuesday will bring to the Oakland bullpen.
Talking with him for a few minutes in the Coliseum clubhouse before Wednesday’s game against Kansas City, it’s clear he brought one thing: a sense of humor.
“I’ve been a closer,” Hatcher said, quickly adding, “Excuse me, I take that back: I’ve closed some games in the big leagues. I’ve been the first guy out of the ’pen. I’ve come in in the third inning. I’ve kind been a jack of all trades and a master of none.
“When they call my name, I’ll be ready.”
The A’s called on Hatcher to begin the sixth inning of the 7-6 loss to the Royals. He retired the three batters he faced, getting flyouts to the right-field warning track from Lorenzo
Cain and Melky Cabrera sandwiched around a strikeout of Eric Hosmer. “It looks like he has a nice delivery,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said of Hatcher after the game. “He had a little slider and a split . ... With what’s gone on with our bullpen, losing some guys, it’s nice to have some depth and a guy that’s got experience, too.”
Hatcher had spent nearly two months on the disabled list with thoracic inflammation, which he described as a problem with his ribs. His final rehab outing came Aug. 9.
The trade to the A’s meant he was leaving a team that’s probably the favorite to win the World Series and going to a team that’s in last place.
“Was it nice playing for the team with the best record in baseball? Yeah, it was great — but this is still big-league baseball,” said Hatcher, 32. “You’re still living the dream.”
Hatcher was 0-1 with a 4.66 ERA in 26 appearances with Los Angeles this season. In a seven-year career split between the Marlins (2011-14) and Dodgers (2015-17), Hatcher was 8-14 with a 4.72 ERA and four saves.
Hatcher realized it would be tough for him to get consistent work in an L.A. bullpen that led the National League in ERA (3.01) through Tuesday.
“I didn’t really pitch up to par and they’ve got guys throwing the ball well,” Hatcher said. “It’s probably better career-wise to get some innings and hopefully I can accomplish that over here.”
The A’s optioned right-hander Josh Smith to Triple-A Nashville to make room on the roster for Hatcher.
Lefty acquired: The A’s acquired left-hander Sam Moll from Colorado for a player to be named or cash considerations. The Rockies had designated Moll, 25, for assignment Friday.
Moll was 3-2 with a 4.18 ERA in 44 appearances for Colorado’s Triple-A Albuquerque affiliate this season. He will report to Nashville. To make room on the 40-man roster for Moll, the A’s designated Nashville right-hander Zach Neal for assignment.