Estes came on in relief in Friday's 5-4 win over the Angels, collecting a hold while allowing two hits and two walks over 2.2 scoreless innings. He didn't strike out a batter.
After making each of his previous 13 appearances with the Athletics this season as a starter, Estes worked out of the bullpen for the first time with Oakland bringing Paul Blackburn (foot) back from the injured list Friday. Since Blackburn was making his first start with the big club in more than two months, he was limited to five innings and 72 pitches in his return, prompting the Athletics to turn to Estes in relief on his normal four days' rest. The Athletics cleared up their logjam in the rotation to some degree by optioning Hogan Harris to Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday, but Estes could still end up sticking in the bullpen if Oakland elects to proceed with Osvaldo Bido as its fifth starter.