Oakland Athletics Roster
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The Oakland Athletics acquired left-hander Nik Turley from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday in exchange for $60,000. Turley was 0-3 with a 4.98 ERA and one save in 25 relief appearances -- the most of any major league rookie in 2020 -- for the Pirates in 21 2/3 innings in the shortened season. The 31-year-old debuted with the Minnesota Twins in 2017 and then didn't pitch the next two years while working his way back from Tommy John surgery. The southpaw reliever will hopefully become a reliable relief arm for Oakland after they lost former closer Liam Hendriks in free agency. He'll join fellow lefty Jake Diekman and righties Lou Trivino, J.B. Wendelken and Jordan Weems in the A's bullpen but is unlikely to have much fantasy value.
Oakland Athletics utilityman Chad Pinder (hamstring) delivered the go-ahead knock in Game 3 of the wild-card series versus Chicago on Thursday, but he revealed after the contest that he is playing below 100 percent due to persistent right hamstring issues. Pinder was activated off of the injured list last Sunday and delivered a two-hit performance Thursday to help extend the clubs season. It doesnt appear that the injury will sideline Pinder for any period of time at this stage, but hes worth monitoring ahead of Mondays Game 1 of the ALDS versus Houston.
Oakland Athletics right-handed pitcher Chris Bassitt will get the start in Game 2 of the wild-card series versus the White Sox, with his club needing to win to force a decisive Game 3. After Chicago hammered a trio of home runs in Game 1 -- two coming off left-hander Jesus Luzardo -- the Majors second-best offense against lefties will have to deal with a righty Wednesday. Bassitt had a career year in 2020, amassing a 2.29 ERA across 11 starts, allowing just one run in 26.2 IP during September. Hell have some risky fantasy appeal due to his matchup against a thundering Chicago offense, but its hard to argue that any starter enters Wednesday on a more consistent role than Bassitt.
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.
Oakland Athletics utilityman Chad Pinder will start in the designated hitter slot for Game 1 of the wild-card series against the White Sox and right-hander Lucas Giolito. Stephen Piscotty will begin the game on the bench but is available to pinch hit, as it appears Oakland prefers the matchup of Pinder against Giolito. Having rejoined the roster Sunday while going 1-for-3 with a walk and RBI, the As will ride Pinders recent success to begin the contest, giving him some DFS appeal due to his low price tag.