Justin

Sterner

Sterner will rejoin the A’s pen after just three minor league appearances. He had a 4.28 ERA and a 30/14 K/BB in 27 1/3 innings before being sent down earlier this month.

Sterner started the season on fire — or as on fire as a middle reliever can start, anyway — but has struggled lately and gets the boot from the roster after giving up a run as the opener vs. the Twins on Thursday. The move clears a spot for T.J. McFarland on the active roster with McFarland coming off the injured list.

It’ll be reliever Justin Sterner taking the ball to open Wednesday’s contest against a right-handed stack of hitters atop Minnesota’s lineup. There isn’t much of a takeaway here for fantasy purposes, but the move should help prevent Springs from facing a couple challenging right-handed bats.

The A’s picked Sterner up on waivers from the Rays in November and then kept him on the 40-man all winter. He’s making a great case for a bullpen spot, as he’s allowed only an unearned run and posted an 11/1 K/BB ratio in eight innings this spring.

The 28-year-old Sterner made his MLB debut in 2024, posting a 2.25 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and a 4/1 K/BB ratio over four innings of work. He also had a 3.28 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 60/17 K/BB ratio in 46 2/3 innings for Triple-A Durham, so he could be a solid addition to the Athletics’ bullpen in 2025.

Sterner was with the big-league club for just two days this time around, but he’ll head back to Triple-A to make room on the roster for the triumphant return of Shane Baz on Friday night. Sterner should get another opportunity with the Rays before the summer is through.

The 27-year-old right-hander has pitched well in two appearances with the Rays this season, posting a 2.25 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and a 4/1 K/BB ratio over his four innings of work. He’ll give manager Kevin Cash another option to deploy in the middle innings.

Sterner pitched four innings in his five days with the Rays, allowing one earned run with a 4/1 K/BB ratio. That should put him in pretty good position to get the call next time the Rays need a bullpen arm.

The Rays need a fresh arm so they recalled Sterner. He had a 3.60 ERA and SO:BB of 33:8 at Triple-A. Sterner will be making his big-league debut if he gets into a game.

The Rays continue to make their Spring Training cuts and their latest batch contains four right-handed relievers. Brigden spent the 2023 season with Triple-A Durham and where he posted a solid 3.46 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and a 95/40 K/BB ratio across 78 innings. He made four appearances during spring camp and pitched 4 1/3 innings with a save and eight strikeouts.