The Athletics have activated Daniel Mengden off the COVID-19 injured list and designated the right-hander for assignment, the team announced.
It has been an altogether tough year for Mengden, who underwent two intestinal surgeries and an arthroscopic elbow surgery during the offseason before testing positive for the coronavirus (with no symptoms, thankfully) in early September. On the field, Mengden has posted a 3.65 ERA over 12 1/3 innings for Oakland, starting one game and working as a long man out of the pen in his other three appearances.
Mengden’s skillset would seemingly make him a useful bullpen piece for the A’s during the playoffs, making the DFA placement a bit of a surprise. But, with a relief corps that is arguably already the best in baseball, the Athletics simply might have decided that they didn’t have room for Mengden. Opening up a roster spot could also hint at a future move to come in the season’s final days.
Mengden has a 4.64 ERA, 2.20 K/BB rate, and 6.7 K/9 over 302 2/3 career innings (starting 48 of 60 games), all with the A’s since making his Major League debut in 2016. Though there is only a week left in the regular season, it wouldn’t be a shock to see a team claim Mengden to get a quick look at him and gain a controllable arm. Mengden will be arbitration eligible for the first time this winter.
Maybe an A’s fan can answer this. Why did they DFA him? His numbers look decent.
Simply because we have too many arms. He was decent for us, I’m sure a team will pick him up and he will slot in nicely.
Mengden’s ERA this season may be 3.65, but his FIP was 5.62 and WHIP was 1.703. Both are way below average. I think A’s can afford to lose him.
In 12.1 innings of work. Not a huge sample size there.
problem with him is inconsistent. He could do 6 shut out innings one game and the next not make it out of the second inning. This is a guy a team that has a extra spot to take a chance on. A change of scenery is the best way for him to regain his career.
His underlying number aren’t great, and doesn’t strike many people out.
He’s out of options, and not good enough to stash on the main roster.
He’s a huge antimasker/“plandemic”/Qanon supporter who happened to get Covid, no use for wreckless behavior during the season…
He was cavalier about health safety protocols and came down with Covid. The team covered for him, but internally they were pissed.
Decent numbers. Would be a nice pickup for Seattle.
I was thinking as I was reading this that it has Jerry Dipoto written all over it. I think the M’s have 3 spots open on their roster. Might be for claiming guys like this.
Pittsburgh really need to pick up this guy. His mustache just belongs in a Pirates uniform.
Hello Philly ?
100%. this guy is better then he gets credit for.
I remember him shutting out the Dbacks last season. Shocker. Wouldn’t mind seeing him in Sedona Red.
Decent stuff never consistent. A couple years ago looked like a potential mid to back rotation SP
I thought the same thing. He’d spin a gem and you’d really believe he had turned the corner, and the next outing he was a completely different pitcher. Reminds me a lot of Ubaldo Jimenez in that regard.
Red Sox??
rollie fingers says THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE
Don’t get this move, especially with recent trade Acquisition LHP Mike Minor serving up batting practice again today. Minor’s ERA is 2 Runs higher than Mengden’s. And why keep a scrub Infielder like Nate Orf on the team over Mengden? They have Sheldon Neuse ready in the minor leagues if they need another Infielder.
Red Sox should claim him if the Pirates or Rangers do not. He’d be a great bullpen piece for them given their current roster.
Your move Red Sox…
Remember, Bob Melvin said, “no players or staff violated protocols…” That statement does not include pitchers. Mengden is from Houston and it’s not a stretch to think he did something stupid.
Looks like a candidate for the Dodgers to pickup. Ferguson just went down to TJ surgery. The Dodgers are having seccess with Trienen at the moment.
Looks like a candidate for the Dodgers to pickup. Ferguson just went down to TJ surgery. The Dodgers are having seccess with Trienen at the moment.