The Athletics announced a series of roster moves on Tuesday afternoon before beginning their three-game series with the Tigers, activating shortstop Jacob Wilson and recalling left-hander Jacob Lopez from Triple-A:
To make room on the active roster the team is sending backup catcher Brian Serven and starter/reliever Kade Morris back down to the Aviators.
Wilson’s return should provide a boost to both the offense and defense. There was
fear after his reinjury that he may have suffered a severe setback but it appears the young shortstop just needed some more time to rest that shoulder of his. He’s slashed .277/.310/.386 with four home runs, a bit of a step back from his second-place ROTY finish last year but still an upgrade over Alika Williams, who will return to backup duties.
Lopez meanwhile will return to the team after spending the past month-plus with the Aviators. In Triple-A the left-hander has made four starts: two duds in his first two after the demotion, followed by two strong starts back-to-back. The assumption is that he’ll slide into Morris’ spot in the bullpen but he could be a starting option again when needed.
Morris meanwhile only made two relief appearances in his most recent stint with the big league squad. He pitched three innings apiece in those appearances, allowing three and one runs respectively. He’ll likely slide back into the Aviators’ starting rotation, taking the spot of Lopez. Well certainly be seeing him again with the big league club at some point this season.
Serven only made it into one game for the big league team during his brief stint, going 1-for-4 with a single and a strikeout. He’s been hitting well for the Aviators this season and could be an option for the team again if any injury (or trade) occurs.
