The A's once again added to an already strong bullpen.
The club announced Sunday afternoon that they have acquired 34-year-old RHP Shawn Kelley and cash from the Nationals in exchange for international slot money. To make room on the 40-man roster, Oakland placed outfielder Jake Smolinski on the 60-day DL with a blood clot in his left calf.
#Athletics acquire RHP Shawn Kelley and cash from #Nationals in exchange for international slot money. To clear spot on 40-man roster, OF Jake Smolinski recalled from Triple-A Nashville and place on 60-day DL with a blood clot in left calf.
Details: https://t.co/28elAQK8CT pic.twitter.com/5ehPBQ8Mlr— AthleticsPR (@AthleticsPR) August 5, 2018
Kelley has been effective this season in Washington, going 1-0 with a 3.34 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 35 appearances. He notched 32 strikeouts in 32 1/3 innings. For his career, Kelley is 26-23 with 15 saves and a 3.73 ERA.
The Nationals designated Kelley for assignment Wednesday, a day after he threw his glove to the mound, following a home run he allowed to the Mets' Austin Jackson.
Last night, Shawn Kelley threw his glove after giving up a homer. Not even 24 hours later and he's been designated for assignment.
Full Details ➡️ https://t.co/FG3yab5KbC pic.twitter.com/vqCcN1dODY— Yahoo Sports MLB (@MLByahoosports) August 1, 2018
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Martínez said the team designated Kelley for assignment because slamming his glove last night was "disrespectful to the organization." They informed Kelley late last night.— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) August 1, 2018
Assuming he can keep his cool in Oakland, Kelley should provide the A's another reliable arm out of the pen, and they didn't have to give up any players to get him.
