Oakland pitcher Pat Venditte hit the disabled list Friday with a strain in his right shoulder. Despite early concerns that the tear was serious, it appears to be minor and Oakland medical staff believe Venditte will only need the two weeks or less to be back to full strength.
It was conceivable that Venditte could continue to pitch left-handed while his right arm recovers because he pitches from both sides. But the appeal of having Venditte in the bullpen is his ability to go lefty or righty, and the Athletics already three other left-handers in the bullpen. So they opted to let the 29-year-old get healthy and call up righty Arnold Leon from AAA Nashville.
Venditte impressed in minimal action before getting hurt, giving up no runs on just one hit and two walks across 5.2 innings. While a middle reliever alone won’t be saving the last-place Athletics this season, he’ll be a welcome addition to the bullpen upon his return at the end of the month.