OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -The Oakland Athletics designated veteran right-hander Jay Witasick for assignment Sunday, giving a chance to Santiago Casilla by calling up the righty from Triple-A Sacramento.
Witasick, limited to 20 games and 22 2-3 innings in 2006 because of an ankle injury, went 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA in just 16 games and 15 innings for the A’s this season. He hasn’t pitched since May 29, and had surrendered two runs in his previous five outings – allowing all three of his inherited runners to score.
“It was a situation obviously of where the A’s are and where I’m at,” Witasick said in between handshakes and goodbyes in the clubhouse. “I enjoyed my time here and my teammates. That’s the hardest part, leaving the guys in this room. I wasn’t getting a lot of innings. It’s not about anything but playing. I want to go somewhere where I can contribute.”
Healthy and eager to be pitching more regularly, the 34-year-old Witasick hopes to land on a team that can use him. If nothing works out, Witasick said he would consider calling it a career. He broke into the bigs with the A’s in 1996.
“I feel good health-wise and arm-wise,” Witasick said. “Everything feels great. I enjoy pitching. I’m sure I’ll be entertaining some potential offers.”
A’s manager Bob Geren managed Casilla in winter ball in the Dominican Republic after the 2005 season. Casilla went 2-1 with three saves and a 4.13 ERA in a team-high 22 relief appearances for Sacramento this season.
“I’ve been working hard to get an opportunity,” the pitcher said in Spanish. “I’m thankful for this chance.”
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