Dan

Meyer

No official word yet, but we assume that Meyer will start on Thursday. The alternative is starting Jose Capellan on three days’ rest and we hate that idea.

Meyer, who has a 2.79 ERA in 61 1/3 IP since joining Richmond, could be in the rotation for a few contenders right now. In Atlanta, not only is behind five quality starters, but he also has Jose Capellan ahead of him.

Meyer hasn’t pitched in the major leagues since 2010 and registered a hideous 7.02 ERA in 41 innings this past season for the independent Long Island Ducks. He is doubtful to reach the big league level with the O’s.

Some will be disappointed that the A’s let Hudson go without getting any sure things, but we like Juan Cruz and Meyer enough to give this our seal of approval. Meyer, 23, went 9-6 with a 2.49 ERA, 112 H and 146/37 K/BB in 126 1/3 IP between Double- and Triple-A last season. He throws in the low-90s, has a quality slider and a decent change and projects as a No. 3 starter. He’ll probably get a couple of more months of Triple-A experience in 2005, but he should be ready to help the A’s in the latter part of the season.

Meyer has been on the disabled list since late April with a left calf strain. It was never a serious injury, but the Marlins needed bodies in the bullpen when he came down with the slight ailment. He’s struggled to a 16.20 ERA in 3 1/3 innings this season. Hopefully the rest will help some.

He missed the past two weeks-plus with a left calf strain. Meyer struggled in posting a 16.20 ERA in 3 1/3 innings to start the season, but the hope is that the time off will help.

The 36-year-old Yabu, who had received interest from the Indians and Angels, went 6-9 with a 3.02 ERA, 108 H and 75/36 K/BB in 116 1/3 IP for Hanshin last season. He last made more than 20 starts in 2000, so the A’s should only be hoping for so much here. If he can be a decent fifth starter for a few months, then Dan Meyer can continue his development in Triple-A.

Meyer missed time earlier this season with shoulder problems, so this setback is very concerning.

Meyer needs to build up his arm strength before returning to Triple-A Sacramento’s rotation. Barring a setback, he could be back pitching at Triple-A as soon as early next month.

Keiichi Yabu, another competitor for a rotation spot, allowed two runs in two innings after taking over to start the third. Meyer, who said that he might have been too comfortable, surrendered three-run homers to Carlos Lee and Prince Fielder. After the game, Barry Zito and Rich Harden told him to pitch more aggressively.