Jeurys

Familia

Familia, 35, was last seen in the majors giving up 12 runs in 12 2/3 innings for the A’s over the first five weeks of the 2023 season. He pitched briefly in Mexico last year and allowed four runs in 8 1/3 innings while pitching in the Dominican Winter League.

Familia, Oakland’s leader with two saves this year, was designated for assignment Thursday after giving up 12 runs -- nine earned -- and walking 13 in 12 2/3 innings. He’ll likely sign a minor league deal elsewhere.

Familia has converted a couple of saves for the A’s, but that says more about the state of the team’s bullpen than anything else. The 33-year-old posted a miserable 6.39 ERA and 2.05 WHIP in 14 appearances and might be running out of chances in the majors.

The A’s held Familia back for the ninth after Domingo Acevedo, Richard Lovelady and Zach Jackson all pitched scoreless innings for holds. In truth, all of those guys seem like better bets than Familia right now. Familia’s velocity is down more than two mph from two years ago, and he’s walked 12 batters in 12 1/3 innings this year. He probably doesn’t even belong in the majors, much less in the closer’s role. If one is desperate enough to be using an A’s reliever at this point, Jackson is probably the way to go.

Familia might be the favorite for saves in the Oakland pen now, but we’d suggest staying away. He has a 5/9 K/BB ratio to go along with his 5.73 ERA in 11 innings.

It was his first save since the 2021 season. Holding a one-run lead, Familia issued a leadoff walk to Jonah Heim, but he got Josh Smith to ground into a double play before Travis Jankowski grounded out to end the game. The A’s are missing Dany Jimenez (shoulder) and Trevor May (anxiety) right now, so Familia is next in line for save chances. Still, we’re not expecting many save chances with this team, so the veteran reliever shouldn’t be a priority add in fantasy leagues.

It sounds like it’ll be a committee situation for the A’s to start the season until someone emerges from the group. Kotsay specifically noted May, Jeurys Familia and Dany Jimenez as possibilities to see save chances early in the year for the Athletics. If you’re desperate for saves and speculating in deeper leagues, feel free to take a late shot here and hope for the best.

No word on the exact financial terms of the deal yet. Familia was released by the Diamondbacks two days ago and now will call Oakland home. The 33-year-old righty reliever pitched for the Athletics back in 2018. He’ll add some extra middle relief depth for Oakland.

Familia was released less than 24 hours ago from a minor league contract with the Diamondbacks. The 33-year-old righty reliever pitched for the Athletics back in 2018. He’ll add some extra middle relief depth for Oakland.

Familia used the out clause in his contract after being told he wasn’t making the team. The 33-year-old allowed one run in six innings of work this spring with a 4/1 K/BB ratio and stands a good chance of latching on elsewhere.