Barry Zito will only pitch in relief for the A's, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Zito will only pitch in relief for the A's, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Analysis:

Zito's contract was selected from Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday, but the veteran hurler will only be used out of the bullpen as the season comes to a close. The 37-year-old, who is expected to retire at season's end, has not been stretched out as a starter, but he could be used in long relief.