Kirk

Saarloos

It was thought that Saarloos might need Tommy John surgery, but he’s in camp competing for a job this spring. He’d be a bit of a sleeper elsewhere. Unfortunately, there’s just not going to be any room for him on the A’s.

This could actually work out for the best. The Astros were not measurably better off with White than with Saarloos.

Saarloos is scheduled to throw his final simulated game today.

Tim Hudson would conveniently be activated into Saarloos’ spot in time for his start tomorrow. Saarloos could be facing off-season arthroscopic surgery.

Manager Jimy Williams called this a spot start. Saarloos has given up 11 earned runs in 6 1/3 innings over his first two starts, but is 2-0 with a 2.95 ERA in 17 relief appearances. If there were a time to use him though, it would be against Pittsburgh in PNC Park.

The choices appear to be Kirk Saarloos or Joe Blanton. Saarloos is 0-1 with a 7.31 ERA in three games against the Angels this season while Blanton is 0-1 with a 1.13 ERA in one start. Blanton, however, has allowed just two runs in last 20 innings and Saarloos pitched a complete game, taking a shutout into the ninth on July 31. Tough call.

A poor outing against the Royals earned Saarloos a couple of extra days off before his start today. The right-hander took a shutout into the sixth inning before giving up a single to Joe Mauer and a homer to Justin Morneau. He improved to 7-2 in his last 11 starts.

Joe Blanton will make the start Thursday against the Angels instead.

Saarloos will be going on nine days’ of rest.

With Joe Kennedy coming back, the A’s feel they can afford to make Saarloos their fifth starter once again. He’s a decent play in AL-only leagues against mediocre offenses. Seattle’s qualifies.