Mark Kotsay assesses Athletics' bullpen before second game of Mariners series
Athletics manager Mark Kotsay speaks to reporters before his team's game against the Seattle Mariners on Friday at T-Mobile Park.
Mark Kotsay assesses Athletics' bullpen before second game of Mariners series originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Video Transcript
Starts with a roster move.
Perkins down, Joey up.
We'll start with Perkins.
I know, he's had a kind of a rough stretch here as far as trying to get deep into games.
What was kind of the, went into the decision factor to, send him down?
Well, well, the current state of the bullpen, is one factor for sure.
We definitely need, length today in case, you know, things transpire that, hopefully we don't anticipate, but you always have to be prepared.
You know, we'd like to have, you know, given Perkins some more opportunity, because we do still believe he's part of this future and, uh- in order to, to get better and to grow, you've gotta go through some tough times, and I know that, last night was, was not, you know, his best.
The biggest thing he came out last night is he competed, which, you know, that's, that's a priority.
That's what we ask for.
But, we know it's in there for him.
We've seen it.
It's three innings and 86 pitches, yet it was seven punch outs.
So, if we can get him in a better place to consistently throw strikes, quality strikes, you know, there, there, there should be more in there for him and, and that's what we're gonna try to, try to accomplish.
With Joey up, kinda touch on the bullpen.
Is he a long man for you t-today for now?
He is.
He's down there for length.
Joey's started down in triple A.
He started for us in Vegas, one game.
Did a nice job actually managing that game for us.
You know, so, there's an opportunity for him to, you know, pitch out of that role and yet still maybe, depending on direction for, JT and, and others that, may get an opportunity to make a start before the end of the season.
But, right now he's, he's here to, to help cover some endings if needed.
Uh- How is JT doing today?
Same.
So we're gonna have, him evaluated tomorrow, with our ortho who's gonna come in and, we'll make a determination tomorrow as to, his future, which, you know, you always want guys to finish the season, but we need to make the right decision, for him and going forward in his future and especially going into next year.
How's Tommy White doing?
Tommy White made a lot of progress.
Actually did baseball activities today, hit in the cage.
So there, there's chances off the bench tonight that he's available, but more so probably tomorrow.
Kate Morris has been doing some longer league for you guys.
Obviously had one start, in Houston.
What do you think of just him getting this chance to, start a game for you guys again?
Great opportunity for Kate.
You know, young talented, you know, pitcher that, probably needs some more seasoning in Triple A.
But with our current situation and where we're at with arms, he's here and he's gonna get a chance to go out tonight and, and pitch against a playoff contending team.
A, a dominant left-handed lineup, which, he's had his struggles with.
So, we're hoping, you know, to get as much out of him as possible.
He's still on a kind of a semi pitch count because he hasn't been stretched out since he came back to us from Triple A.
Which means, you know, we're hoping 65, 70 pitches and, that would be really pushing him.
