The Athletics considered permanently removing Jason Hammel from the rotation before deciding to just skip his next turn, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Hammel who will pitch against Houston next week, has been a mess since arriving in Oakland via a trade from the Cubs. His ERA has leaped from 2.98 to 3.84, courtesy of 24 earned runs allowed in 32 innings pitched covering seven outings. He has just one quality start during that stretch.
The right-hander has blamed mechanical issues that are leaving his pitches up for his struggles, but adds that it should be an easy fix. He is also claiming no problem with the temporary move to the bullpen.
"I'm not bothered by it," he said. "You've got to check your ego at the door when you're not getting it done."
The Athletics could place Jesse Chavez or Drew Pomeranz in their rotation if Hammel continues to get battered.