Athletics' Cesar Valdez: Utilized in long relief Friday

Valdez gave up three earned runs on four hits and a walk over three innings in Friday's 9-4 loss to the Astros.

Analysis:

The A's had a need for some long relief after Jharel Cotton exited with just one out in the fifth, and Valdez was able to gobble up the final three innings. He was relatively efficient in throwing just 37 pitches, but also was touched up for a solo homer by Yuli Gurriel and two-run double by Carlos Correa. The 32-year-old figures to stick around the Oakland bullpen for a while, as he offers manager Bob Melvin a multi-inning option that can also start in a pinch.