Dean

Kiekhefer

Kiekhefer elected free agency after being removed from the A’s 40-man roster earlier this offseason, but he’s ultimately decided to re-sign. He’ll be a long shot to win a bullpen job.

Kiekhefer was removed from the A’s 40-man roster and has decided to test out free agency rather than accept an outright assignment. The left-handed reliever holds a 6.38 ERA over 30 appearances in the majors.

Kiekhefer is now off the A’s 40-man roster. He made four appearances for them this season, allowing four runs over two innings.

Kiekhefer was just optioned back to the minor leagues on Tuesday, but he’ll return to the majors with fellow lefty Tyler Lyons (knee) landing on the 15-day disabled list. Kiekhefer has a 4.85 ERA and 10/2 K/BB ratio in 13 innings of relief this season at the major league level.

He’ll be called up ahead of Game 2 and then sent right back to Triple-A Memphis on Thursday. Kiekhefer allowed seven earned runs in 11 innings earlier this season with St. Louis, though the 27-year-old southpaw was pretty stingy against left-handed hitters.

Kiekhefer has given up seven runs over 14 innings in his multiple stints with the big club this season. He’ll return in September, if not before.

The move clears the way for the newly-acquired Zach Duke on the 40-man roster. Kiekhefer has a 4.85 ERA and 10/2 K/BB ratio over 13 innings in the majors this season. He should be back in September.

He’ll replace the injured Trevor Rosenthal (shoulder) on the active roster. Kiekhefer has posted a 5.73 ERA and 9/2 K/BB ratio over 11 innings at the major league level this season.

Kiekhefer did a good job against lefties (.174/.208/.304) but was creamed when allowed to face righties (.364/.440/.591). He’ll be back eventually.

Kiekhefer will be available out of the St. Louis bullpen on Monday night in Milwaukee. The left-hander has allowed seven runs in 14 innings this year at the MLB level.