A’s Designate Rule 5 Pick Noah Murdock for Assignment, Call Up Elvis Alvarado
Oakland A’s have designated right-handed pitcher Noah Murdock for assignment and recalled fellow righty Elvis Alvarado from triple-A Las vegas to fill his spot in the bullpen.
Murdock’s Struggles Lead to Roster Move
murdock, 26, was selected as the fourth player in last winter’s Rule 5 draft from the Kansas City Royals system. He began the 2024 season with the A’s, making 14 appearances. During that time he pitched 17 1/3 innings allowing 25 runs. His struggles included walking 20 batters, contributing to his high ERA.
Prior to his major league debut, Murdock pitched in Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha during the 2024 season, achieving a 2.22 ERA and 3.76 ERA respectively. His minor league performance showcased a 27% strikeout rate and a 59.7% ground-ball percentage, balanced by a 15.4% walk rate.
Rule 5 Implications and Potential Next Steps for Murdock
Under Rule 5 stipulations, teams must keep their picks on the major league roster or injured list for the entire season to retain their contractual rights. This move signals the A’s are unwilling to continue allocating a roster spot to Murdock given his current performance.
the A’s are expected to either trade Murdock or, more likely, place him on waivers. If another team claims him, they would assume the Rule 5 obligations. Should Murdock clear waivers,the A’s would be required to offer him back to the Royals for $50,000. The Royals coudl then assign him to their minor league system without adding him to their 40-man roster.
Elvis Alvarado Receives First MLB Call-up
Elvis Alvarado,26,is receiving his first major league possibility. He signed with the Pirates earlier in the offseason but was later claimed off waivers by the A’s in January. In 14 appearances in Las Vegas, Alvarado has pitched 15 2/3 innings, allowing eight runs.He has 22 strikeouts against four walks with five saves. alvarado’s fastball averages 99 mph. Despite a history of control issues, his power arm and ability to generate strikeouts in the minors offer potential value to the A’s bullpen.
What are the key stipulations of the Rule 5 Draft that led to the A’s decision regarding Noah Murdock?
A’s Designate Rule 5 Pick Noah Murdock for Assignment, call Up Elvis Alvarado
Oakland A’s have designated right-handed pitcher Noah Murdock for assignment and recalled fellow righty Elvis Alvarado from triple-A Las vegas to fill his spot in the bullpen.
Murdock’s Struggles Lead to roster Move
murdock, 26, was selected as the fourth player in last winter’s Rule 5 draft from the Kansas City Royals system. He began the 2024 season with the A’s, making 14 appearances. During that time he pitched 17 1/3 innings allowing 25 runs. His struggles included walking 20 batters, contributing to his high ERA.
Prior to his major league debut, Murdock pitched in Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha during the 2024 season, achieving a 2.22 ERA and 3.76 ERA respectively. His minor league performance showcased a 27% strikeout rate and a 59.7% ground-ball percentage, balanced by a 15.4% walk rate.
Rule 5 Implications and Potential Next Steps for Murdock
Under Rule 5 stipulations, teams must keep their picks on the major league roster or injured list for the entire season to retain their contractual rights. This move signals the A’s are unwilling to continue allocating a roster spot to Murdock given his current performance.
the A’s are expected to either trade Murdock or, more likely, place him on waivers. If another team claims him, they would assume the Rule 5 obligations. Should Murdock clear waivers,the A’s would be required to offer him back to the Royals for $50,000. The Royals coudl then assign him to their minor league system without adding him to their 40-man roster.
Elvis Alvarado Receives First MLB Call-up
Elvis Alvarado,26,is receiving his first major league possibility. He signed with the Pirates earlier in the offseason but was later claimed off waivers by the A’s in january.In 14 appearances in Las vegas, Alvarado has pitched 15 2/3 innings, allowing eight runs.He has 22 strikeouts against four walks with five saves.alvarado’s fastball averages 99 mph. Despite a history of control issues, his power arm and ability to generate strikeouts in the minors offer potential value to the A’s bullpen.
Q&A: Understanding the A’s Roster Moves
- What does “designated for assignment” mean?
- It’s a procedural move. The A’s have 7 days to either trade Murdock, release him, or place him on waivers. If he clears waivers, he can be sent back to the Royals or released.
- What is the rule 5 Draft?
- It allows teams to select players from other organizations who aren’t on their 40-man roster. The drafting team must keep the player on their MLB roster for the entire season, or they must offer the player back to their original team. It is designed to prevent teams from stashing talent in the minors.
- Why did Murdock struggle?
- His high ERA (earned run average) was a result of allowing a lot of runs, and he struggled with control, walking many batters. High walk rates can increase pitches and increase the possibility of runs.
- What’s the upside for Elvis Alvarado?
- He throws a blazing fastball, averaging 99 mph, and has a good strikeout rate. The A’s are hoping to harness his power and improve his control issues.
- What happens next for Murdock?
- He is likely to be placed on waivers. If claimed,he joins a new team. If unclaimed,the A’s must offer him back to the Royals,who could send him to their minor league system.
- How does the A’s new bullpen look?
- Alvarado’s addition adds potential strikeout power to the bullpen, seeking to improve the team’s pitching depth. With the recent call-up, the success of the A’s bullpen will be closely monitored.
The A’s are making moves to reshape their roster. Keep an eye on how Alvarado performs and Murdock’s future in baseball!
