A’s Reinstate Michael Kelly After Gambling Suspension

The Oakland Athletics made several roster changes on Thursday, including the reinstatement of right-hander Michael Kelly, who returned after serving a one-year suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s gambling policy.

$28 Gain from $100 Bets

Kelly, now 32, was originally suspended alongside San Diego Padres’ Tucupita Marcano, Arizona Diamondbacks’ Andrew Saalfrank, and two minor leaguers, following an MLB investigation into sports betting violations. 

The most serious punishment went to Marcano, who was issued a lifetime ban for betting on baseball. Kelly, meanwhile, received a one-year ban after MLB determined he had placed 10 bets totaling under $100 in October 2021 while in the Houston Astros’ minor league system.

According to the league’s findings, Kelly did not wager on games involving his own team, and he walked away with a modest net gain of $28 after winning five of those bets.

Before his suspension, Kelly was putting together a solid 2023 for Oakland, going 3-2 with a 2.59 ERA over 28 relief outings and 31 1/3 innings.

Excellent Time for Kelly’s Comeback

Kelly’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for the A’s. With the bullpen struggling mightily, posting a 6.28 ERA, the worst in MLB, manager Mark Kotsay has been trying everything, including using openers in recent games, though to no avail. 

Over the previous 27 games, the pen had nine losses and nine blown saves.

Kelly, who had a 2.59 ERA in 28 appearances before his suspension, is someone Kotsay trusts deeply. On Thursday, Kotsay even learned he’s the godfather of Kelly’s daughter.

“When he walked out of the clubhouse, I told him to be focused on getting through this time and continue to prep to be back in a uniform and contribute,” Kotsay said. 

“To have him in a game today and to see him have success. It couldn’t have been a better part of the day.”, the former outfielder added.

Veteran McFarland Is Back

Left-hand pitcher T.J. McFarland also returned to the active roster following a 15-day recovery from a groin injury. 

The veteran, who will celebrate his 36th birthday this weekend, last played on May 11. This year, he has pitched a total of 10 1/3 innings across 18 relief outings. He also posted a 5.23 ERA with three walks and four strikeouts.

The Palos Hills, Illinois-born brings his 12 years of experience to the Athletics bullpen, including a 26-20 record with a 4.13 ERA, one save, 174 walks, and 322 strikeouts across 541 innings. 

He played for six different teams in total, including the Orioles, Diamondbacks, Cardinals, Mets, and now multiple turns with the A’s. Plus, he also recorded 79 major league pitcher appearances, which propelled him to the lead.

To clear roster space, the A’s sent rookies Elvis Alvarado and Justin Sterner down to Triple-A Las Vegas and designated CJ Alexander for assignment.

Alvarado didn’t have an easy rookie year, while Sterner showed flashes but struggled with consistency. Alexander appeared in just six games, hitting .176.