Neal (2-1) allowed just one run on two hits with a strikeout over 5.1 innings in a win Tuesday over the Orioles.
Neal has just 11 strikeouts in 29.1 innings this season and will likely continue to be used in long relief as a result, but this marks his longest and most successful outing of the season. He also had just a 4.7 K/9 in 61.2 innings for Triple-A this season. Expect the Athletics to use him as an innings eater, but he will likely be passed over in favor of prospects for starts as the season winds down.