Brett Anderson Becomes Latest A's Starter to Hit DL

The onslaught of injuries to A's starting pitchers continued Tuesday, as the team placed starting pitcher Brett Anderson on the 10-day DL with a strained left forearm and recalled reliever Ryan Dull from Triple-A Nashville. Anderson will get an MRI Wednesday in the Bay Area.

Baseball pic.twitter.com/PTumHglyJs— Brett Anderson (@_BAnderson30_) August 28, 2018

The move comes just two days after ace Sean Manaea went on the DL with a left shoulder impingement, and hours before Manaea was diagnosed with tedinitis in that shoulder. Oakland has now had to use the disabled list 25 times this season, including 11 times for starting pitchers. That number doesn't include season-ending injuries to starters Jharel Cotton and A.J. Puk.

Anderson allowed five earned runs in 2 2/3 innings Monday night in Houston, after only allowing two runs in 26 2/3 innings his previous four starts this month. 

"Early in the game, it was apparent that he was having a tough time throwing his breaking ball," said manager Bob Melvin. "Obviously not ideal to lose two more starters here this late in the season, but again, like it has all season for us, it gives someone else an opportunity."

For the season, Anderson is 3-4 with a 4.02 ERA in 13 starts. He already spent time on the DL earlier this year from May 19 to July 7 with a strained left shoulder.

The A's are now in a bit of a bind, with only three healthy starting pitchers on the active roster. Daniel Mengden will slide in as a fourth starter after pitching four scoreless innings in relief during Monday's loss to the Houston Astros. Oakland will also recall Frankie Montas from Triple-A Nashville to complete the rotation.

The other option is to add another starter via trade. The non-waiver trade deadline already passed, but the waiver trade deadline is not until Friday, giving the A's three days to make a deal if they want to go that route.

Despite all the injuries, the A's trail the Astros by just 2 1/2 games in the AL West. Edwin Jackson and Trevor Cahill are slated to start the final two games in Houston this week.