Brad

Kilby

Kilby was cleared from the roster in order to make space for Michael Wuertz. The 27-year-old southpaw posted a 2.16 ERA and an 8/0 K/BB ratio over five relief appearances since being called up on April 23. He should return at some point this season.

Kilby posted a 2.13 ERA and 77/24 K/BB ratio in 63 1/3 innings at Sacramento this season. He held right-handed hitters to a .150 batting average and will be used frequently by the A’s in middle relief situations.

Edgar Gonzalez was scheduled to start the game, but Geren said he plans on using Gonzalez as a reliever on Saturday night and then having Brad Kilby or Jerry Blevins start Sunday’s contest. Neither Kilby nor Blevins has a major-league start to his credit, and neither would be expected to go more than a couple innings.

Kilby posted a 0.53 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 20/4 K/BB ratio in 17 innings as a September call-up last season. The 27-year-old left-hander had a 1.69 ERA over five appearances with Sacramento to begin the year. With high-strikeout rates in the minors, he could stick with the big club this time.

Kilby spent a little over one week with the A’s in the early part of the 2010 season and posted impressive results, but things did not run as smoothly at the Triple-A level. He probably won’t be a factor in 2011.