Andrew Bailey, who missed the first two months with a strained forearm, just pitched his second perfect inning in two appearances since coming off the DL, getting two groundouts and a flyout in the ninth inning with the A’s down by two against the Yankees.
Bailey has yet to get a strikeout since returning, but he is throwing his usual 93-94 mph, suggesting that they’ll be coming soon enough. The A’s may give him one or two more appearances in non-save situations first, but it’s clear he’ll resume closing for the team soon.
Brian Fuentes, who closer in Bailey’s absence, is 11-for-13 saving games, though he’s lost seven times and given up 18 runs -- 12 earned -- in 24 1/3 innings. He’ll move back into a setup role.