J.B. Wendelken Whiffs Two In Relief Appearance Versus Mariners
Oakland Athletics relief pitcher J.B. Wendelken recorded four outs on Sunday versus the Mariners with two coming via the strikeout. The right-hander walked one, but did not allow a run for the third time in his last four appearances. Wendelken has a 22 percent strikeout rate this season which is down 10 percent from 2019 when it appeared he may be the next closer for the A's. Injuries and fewer swings-and-misses have relegated Wendelken to a middle relief role as he's behind Lou Trivino and Jake Diekman in the pecking order for saves. He's a decent option in leagues that reward holds, but most fantasy managers have little use for Wendelken.
J.B. Wendelken Will Begin A Rehab Assignment On Thursday
Oakland Athletics right-hander J.B. Wendelken (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment in Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday, according to manager Bob Melvin. Melvin added that it's unknown how many outings the 28-year-old reliever will need before he's ready to rejoin the team. Wendelken has been on the shelf since early May with a strained left oblique. He posted a 4.38 ERA, 1.62 WHIP, and 14:5 K/BB ratio over 12 1/3 innings (15 appearances) before hitting the injured list. If he doesn't experience any setbacks during his rehab assignment then he should be ready to rejoin the club by the end of the month at the latest. He'll likely be used in middle relief for Oakland, though, so he won't have much fantasy value.
Oakland Athletics relief pitcher J.B. Wendelken (oblique) is scheduled to throw a 30-pitch bullpen session on Friday. He has been sidelined since early May due to a strained left oblique. It wouldn't be shocking to see Wendelken go on a rehab assignment after Friday, assuming everything goes well. Hopefully, the right-hander will be able to return to the big league roster by the end of the month. Possibly, Wendelken has deep league value, but it's unlikely he holds much value since he won't get many save chances in Oakland.
Oakland Athletics relief pitcher J.B. Wendelken (oblique) has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained left oblique, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. Wendelken pitched in Saturday's loss to Baltimore, allowing two runs on three hits in one inning of work. Over 12 1/3 innings this season, Wendelken has 14 strikeouts with a 4.38 ERA. Right now, Wendelken only has value in SV/HLD formats or in deeper leagues where managers are looking for strikeout help.
Oakland Athletics relief pitcher J.B. Wendelken struck out two-of -three batters faced in an Opening Day loss to the Astros. Wendelken allowed a walk, but he was able to escape a jam left for him by Adam Kolarek which should help Wendelken earn more high-leverage opportunities. A's closer Trevor Rosenthal (shoulder) is on the injured list so there are opportunities available in Oakland. Jake Diekman should get the first crack at saves but Wendelken is also in the mix thanks to a 1.80 ERA last season paired with a 29.2 percent strikeout rate. Wendelken should be rosterd in leagues that reward holds and can be added as a speculative saves-source in deeper leagues.
J.B. Wendelken Makes Oakland’s Wild-Card Series Roster
Oakland Athletics right-handed pitcher J.B. Wendelken (undisclosed) has returned off of the injured list to join the clubs wild-card series roster versus the White Sox. Wendelken allowed just five earned runs across 25 innings pitched during the regular season, striking out 31 batters in that stretch. Having become a valued arm at the back of the bullpen, he gives Oakland an additional option when considering opposing batters that will have to produce against a stacked As relief corps.
J.B. Wendelken Hits Injured List, James Kaprielian Recalled
Oakland Athletics right-handed pitcher J.B. Wendelken (undisclosed) was placed on the injured list prior to Thursdays contest versus the Dodgers, with righty James Kaprielian taking his spot on the active roster. Wendelken has been a crucial cog in the Oakland bullpen, compiling a 1.80 ERA across 21 appearances this season. With a career-high 11.2 K/9 and 1.12 WHIP, Wendelken has also had some deep season-long roto appeal. Kaprielian is Oaklands No. 11 prospect per MLB Pipeline, but has made just one appearance this season. Check back for an update on whether Wendelken will be able to return during 2020.