The A's have reportedly found their left-handed reliever to join Ryan Buchter in the bullpen.
According to the New York Post's Joel Sherman, Oakland has signed 35-year-old Jerry Blevins to a minor-league contract, which would pay $1.5 million if he makes the Major League roster.
Blevins previously spent seven seasons with the A's from 2007-13, going 13-6 with a 3.30 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. The 6-foot-6 veteran is coming off a disappointing season with the Mets, recording a 4.85 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 42 2/3 innings. In 2017, however, he was a perfect 6-0 with a 2.94 ERA. He has a career ERA of 3.52.
Throughout his 12-year career, Blevins has been effective retiring left-handed batters, limiting them to a .216/.270/.316 slash line. That figures to be his primary function in Oakland -- if he makes the roster -- as the A's have plenty of talented right-handers in the bullpen.
Buchter will still be Oakland's primary option against left-handers, but adding Blevins gives manager Bob Melvin another option in the middle innings. Snagging him on a minor-league deal is a solid low-risk move.
[RELATED: Can Buchter baffle left-handed batters again for A's?]
The A's bullpen now appears to be complete. In addition to Blevins and Buchter, it should feature Blake Treinen, Joakim Soria, Fernando Rodney, Lou Trivino, J.B. Wendelken, Yusmeiro Petit, and Liam Hendriks, making it a strength of the team once again.
