TODAY: Nittoli cleared waivers, the A’s announced, and Nittoli has chosen to become a free agent rather than accept the outright assignment to Triple-A.
JUNE 21: The A’s designated reliever Vinny Nittoli for assignment before tonight’s matchup with the Twins. Oakland recalled righty Osvaldo Bido from Triple-A Las Vegas to replace him on the active roster. Nittoli is out of options, so the A’s couldn’t take him off the big league club without removing from the 40-man roster. Their 40-man tally is down to 38.
Nittoli cracked the big league bullpen a couple weeks ago when Michael Kelly was suspended. Mark Kotsay has called upon him seven times, generally in low-leverage situations. Nittoli has allowed two runs over eight innings, punching out five against two walks. It was a generally solid showing, but the 33-year-old pitched two innings and tossed 28 pitches in yesterday’s loss to Kansas City. That’d likely have ruled him out for today and prompted the A’s to bring up a fresh arm. Bido, who hasn’t pitched in a week, should be able to work multiple innings out of the bullpen.
It’s a tough break for Nittoli, who has had MLB cups of coffee in each of the last four seasons. This year’s eight innings already topped his previous combined workload between the Mariners, Phillies and Mets. Nittoli has pitched in five seasons at the Triple-A level. He owns a 4.73 ERA there for his career, though he turned in an impressive 2.70 mark through 23 1/3 innings with Las Vegas before being called up. Nittoli punched out 36% of batters faced for the Aviators against an 11% walk rate.
The A’s have five days to trade him or place him on waivers. Nittoli has cleared outright waivers a few times in his career and would have the right to elect free agency if he goes unclaimed. Since he’s out of options, another team would need to plug him directly into the MLB bullpen if they claim him.
Wait what ok… I guess A’s elevator is fully functional lol…
Wtf are we doing lmao, this dude looked promising. Every move this team makes doesn’t make any sense
There’s no promising allowed in A’s land.
“This dude looked promising”…I’m guessing the A’s figure a near 34 year old journeyman relief pitcher can easily be replaced and really doesn’t fit into their contention window. His last 3 teams(in 3 yrs)didn’t even keep him around as long as the A’s(7 gms). You do realize rebuilding teams like the A’s are generally seeking young players or players that can be flipped for more young players, right?
Vinny Nitolli is a 70FV name
Padres need righties.
There’s something else going on that’s not related to his ability. Must be off field issues. He’s been cut by a number of teams. Usually when a pitcher is effective he retains a job.