Joe

Rock

Rock threw 16 pitches and recorded zero outs in his Athletics debut yesterday, in a game that also featured three stolen bases against him.

Rock, claimed off waivers from the White Sox last month, will be making his A’s debut after allowing only one run and three hits in 10 1/3 innings out of the pen for Vegas. He has a 3.00 ERA and a 23/13 K/BB in 18 innings as a major leaguer with the Rays and White Sox.

The 26-year-old left-hander was designated for assignment on Friday after posting a 3.48 ERA, 2.13 WHIP and a 12/11 K/BB ratio across 10 1/3 innings in four appearances with the White Sox. He’ll function as extra rotation depth for the A’s at the Triple-A level.

Rock walked 11 in 10 1/3 innings with the White Sox in June, though he somehow managed a 3.48 ERA. The 26-year-old could draw interest on waivers.

Even though he walked 11, Rock managed a 3.48 ERA in 10 1/3 innings in his four relief appearances for the White Sox this month. He’ll probably get another look in middle relief later.

Rock, 25, was acquired by the White Sox in a deal for Oliver Dunn in the middle of May. The left-hander will have a chance to make his MLB debut while with the White Sox, but likely in a role that doesn’t have any fantasy significance.

Rock hasn’t pitched in the big leagues this season after making three relief appearances for the Rays last year, striking out 11 and allowing two runs over 7 2/3 innings of work. The 25-year-old southpaw has struggled to an inflated 5.40 ERA and 27/17 K/BB ratio over 15 innings at Triple-A Round Rock this season.

That’s not great news. Matz looked good on Sunday, allowing one run in six innings to lower his ERA to 3.86 and his WHIP to 1.10. Obviously, he did not respond well after the start, so we’ll have to wait and see how long he will be sidelined for. The Rays are in the process of stretching out Griffin Jax and Mason Englert (forearm) as starters, and Joe Boyle (elbow) is on the injured list, so they may have to turn to Joe Rock or Ian Seymour to take at least one start in Matz’s place.

Rock was up to add a fresh arm to the bullpen for a couple of days, though he didn’t wind up appearing in a ballgame. He’ll continue to function as extra pitching depth for the Rays at the Triple-A level.

Rock is carrying an unsightly 19.29 ERA in the early going at Triple-A Durham, but had a 2.35 ERA in three appearances for the Rays last year. He’s here to soak up innings if necessary before Drew Rasmussen is activated tomorrow.