Well, there we go. Contrary to what I said about Dana Eveland getting a spot start tomorrow, and keeping Vin Mazzaro in reserve, they’ve called up Vin and he’ll be going tomorrow. It’ll be an interesting test for the young right hander; he doesn’t seem to have much else left to prove, or learn, in triple A Sacramento. He’s certainly going to have confidence on his side, if nothing else.
He’s posted an era of 2.38 with a WHIP of 1.04 this season; over his last four starts, his line is 0.33 era, 1 run, with 21 strikeouts and only four walks. Which sounds mighty impressive, to me. He throws at around 94mph, with a slider and a changeup to back up the fastball.
So this means a few things; the A’s think he can win, and win now. Secondly, Eveland has slipped down the pecking order. He’s going to really have to work things out if he’s ever going to sustain a major league career and not be the mythical AAAA player. Thirdly, Edgar Gonzalez has been moved out of the rotation, so he’ll be available in the bullpen from today. Finally, you suspect that now that Mazzaro is up, like with Cahill and Anderson, he’s going to have to pitch very poorly if he’s not going to keep his place for a while.
There’s no news yet on who is being sent down in order to clear space, but obviously Gonzalez is a candidate.
They’re about to start in Texas; game on!

