Boyle retired one batter and was charged with three earned runs on no hits and three walks during his relief appearance in Thursday's 10-9 loss to the Reds. He also hit a batter with a pitch.
Boyle's latest stint in the Oakland rotation lasted all of two turns, with the Athletics opting to move him to the bullpen after he struck out eight but gave up five earned runs on five hits and four walks in five innings his last time out Saturday versus Milwaukee. J.T. Ginn shifted from the bullpen to make his first MLB start Thursday, and he gave up four runs over five innings prior to being lifted from the contest. Boyle then entered in the bottom of the sixth and was credited with a hold after departing with a 6-5 lead, even though he loaded the bases prior to exiting the game. Over the long haul, the Athletics are hoping that Boyle's poor control and lack of reliable secondary offerings will be lesser concerns in a relief role, but his first exposure to the bullpen wasn't promising.