A's Recall Starter Barnett Ahead of Key Series

With a taxed bullpen, the A's bring up a fresh arm to provide innings.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fractured motion of a baseball pitcher's delivery, with sharp planes of color representing the explosive energy and movement of the sport.The A's hope a fresh arm in the rotation can provide stability and rest for their overworked bullpen ahead of a pivotal series.West Sacramento Today

The Oakland Athletics have recalled starting pitcher Mason Barnett from Triple-A ahead of a crucial series against the Seattle Mariners. Barnett, who made his MLB debut last season, has had success in the minors so far this year but has struggled with control issues. The A's are looking to give their overworked bullpen some rest before facing the division-leading Mariners.

Why it matters

The A's bullpen has logged the ninth-most innings in MLB this season, and they need fresh arms to get through the upcoming series against the Mariners, who are favored to win the AL West. Barnett's performance could determine if he earns a spot in the A's rotation or if he slides into a bullpen role.

The details

With reliever Elvis Alvarado unavailable after throwing 45 pitches on Friday, the A's have recalled Barnett to provide some innings and give the bullpen a breather. Barnett has had success in Triple-A this season, posting a 3.07 ERA, but his high walk rate (15.9%) and tendency to give up home runs are concerns. The A's are hoping Barnett can eat some innings and keep them in the game against the Mariners.

  • Barnett last pitched on April 14 for the Triple-A Aviators.
  • The A's begin a 3-game series against the Mariners on Monday, April 22.

The players

Mason Barnett

A starting pitcher for the Oakland Athletics who made his MLB debut last season and has been recalled from Triple-A to provide innings for the team's taxed bullpen.

Elvis Alvarado

A relief pitcher for the Oakland Athletics who has been a candidate to close games this season but is currently unavailable after throwing 45 pitches on Friday.

Joel Kuhnel

A non-roster invitee this spring who has taken on a large share of the closer role for the A's in recent games.

Mark Kotsay

The manager of the Oakland Athletics.

J.T. Ginn

A starting pitcher for the Oakland Athletics who is scheduled to pitch in the upcoming series against the Mariners.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

If Barnett pitches well in his upcoming start, he could earn a permanent spot in the A's rotation, potentially pushing Jacob Lopez to the bullpen.

The takeaway

The A's are making a calculated move to give their overworked bullpen some rest before a crucial series against the division-leading Mariners, recalling a starting pitcher in Mason Barnett who has had success in the minors but will need to improve his control to help the big-league club.