A’s Send Morris Down, Recall Estes as Rotation Remains in Flux

The A’s optioned rookie right-hander Kade Morris to Triple-A Las Vegas ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Brewers and recalled lefty Joey Estes for his first MLB appearance of the season. Morris, who made his major league debut over the weekend, struggled in his start against the Astros, surrendering nine runs over four innings.

The A’s had used six relievers behind Jeffrey Springs in Monday’s 12-inning, 29-run game against Milwaukee, the highest-scoring game of the season. Estes, who last pitched on Wednesday in Triple-A, is now available as a depth option for Tuesday’s series opener at Las Vegas Ballpark. J.T. Ginn will start on the bump.

Morris had been expected to continue in the rotation but was optioned after the A’s moved quickly to adjust to the hitter-friendly environment at Las Vegas Ballpark. Estes, who has an 8.26 ERA in 12.2 innings at Triple-A this season, is now in line to make an impact in the majors if needed.

Jack Perkins will start tomorrow’s series finale against the Brewers. The A’s will then have an off day on Thursday before hosting the Rockies for three games at the same venue. That stretch will be followed by a three-game series against the Pirates and a four-game set with the Angels at Sutter Health Park, another park that favors hitters.

With Thursday’s off day, the A’s could consider a four-man rotation for the weekend, using Gage Jump, Springs, and Ginn on regular rest. However, the team is entering a stretch of 10 consecutive game days, so maintaining five arms might be necessary.

Estes or Mason Barnett could also see a spot start if they aren’t used in relief over the next two days. Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang remains yet to make his MLB debut and has posted an ERA above 7.00 in Triple-A. Kade Morris and Jacob Lopez cannot be recalled this week unless an injury occurs, due to the 15-day optional assignment rule.

Aaron Civale is nearing a return from the injured list with shoulder tendinitis. He will make a rehab start with Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday and could rejoin the rotation as early as next week. Luis Severino, meanwhile, is not expected back before the All-Star Break due to a shoulder strain.

Shortstop Jacob Wilson played his third rehab game Tuesday and is close to a return after missing a month with a dislocated left shoulder. Darell Hernaiz and Alika Williams have split shortstop duties in his absence, but Wilson’s activation could send Williams back to the minors.

The A’s next game is Wednesday against the Brewers at Las Vegas Ballpark.