Following the trade deadline on Friday, Oakland Athletics manager Mark Kotsay addressed the media ahead of the team’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, emphasizing the team’s focus on moving forward despite recent changes. After trading All-Star pitcher Mason Miller to San Diego, the A’s now face challenges in naming a new closer while managing rotation adjustments.
Kotsay reflected on the complexities players endure during trade deadlines, noting his increased empathy now that he is managing at the Major League level rather than playing. This trade marks a significant shift for the Athletics as they work to recalibrate their pitching staff amid ongoing season demands.
Potential Candidates for the Closer Role and Rotation Changes
With Miller’s departure, the Athletics have few clear options for the closer position. Right-handed pitcher Jack Perkins is among the candidates, yet his role remains flexible, with the possibility he could move into the starting rotation to replace JP Sears. Perkins recently recorded a save against the Seattle Mariners when Miller was unavailable, signaling how the team may rely on him in critical moments.
Perkins’ success extends into Triple-A, where he earned Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week honors for two consecutive weeks in June. Fellow Athletics pitchers J.T. Ginn and newcomer Luis Morales have also received similar recognition this season. Morales made his Major League debut at Sutter Health Park on Friday, pitching two innings and allowing just one earned run, showing promise as the team rebuilds.
Arizona Diamondbacks Grapple with Emotional Toll of Trade Deadline
Across the field, Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo openly expressed the emotional difficulty his team experienced during the Trade Deadline, as several established players were traded. The departure of key figures like Josh Naylor, Eugenio Suarez, and Merrill Kelly left a noticeable impact on the squad’s morale.
“Yesterday was a tough day for us”
—Torey Lovullo, Arizona Diamondbacks manager
Lovullo also acknowledged the mixed emotions involved, expressing relief that Naylor would join a team actively contending for a playoff spot.
“And that’s the one bit of satisfaction that I could take from it,”
—Torey Lovullo, Arizona Diamondbacks manager
Merrill Kelly’s Departure Marks End of an Era for Diamondbacks
Merrill Kelly, a 36-year-old veteran, spent seven seasons pitching for the Diamondbacks with a 62-50 record, 3.74 ERA, and 865 strikeouts. Being a native Arizonan, Kelly’s connection to the team ran deep, making his trade to Texas particularly significant. He expressed openness to a potential reunion in the future, but for now, he looks forward to strengthening his new team’s rotation.
Diamondbacks’ Prospects Move and New Beginnings
To acquire Eugenio Suarez, the Seattle Mariners sent three prospects to Arizona, including first baseman Tyler Locklear. Locklear, a Baltimore native drafted in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft by Seattle, debuted for Arizona’s Triple-A team, the Sacramento River Cats, in the starting lineup on Friday. He has been impressive in the minors, batting .316 with 82 RBIs and 19 home runs this season.
Emerging Talent Signals New Chapters for Both Teams
The current Diamondbacks roster features several promising young players, mirroring the Athletics’ focus on developing fresh talent. Both teams are navigating post-trade deadline adjustments, aiming to stabilize their lineups and rediscover their competitive identities as August progresses. The Athletics’ pitching staff, in particular, will draw close attention as they decide on the closer role and rotation moves affected by the Mason Miller trade impact.