Athletics name Hendriks wild-card game starter

The Oakland Athletics have named right-hander Liam Hendriks as their starting pitcher for the American League wild-card game against the New York Yankees, the team announced Tuesday.

The A's have mostly used Hendriks as an "opener" since he rejoined the roster for September. While he has started eight games, he hasn't pitched more than two innings in any outing, meaning he'll likely be a bridge to the bullpen on Wednesday.

Hendriks' first foray into his new role as was a rocky one. He allowed two earned runs in 1 2/3 innings on Sept. 1. Since then, he's been spotless. In 11 1/3 innings over his last 11 appearances, Hendriks hasn't allowed a single run.

While the A's haven't announced who will follow Hendriks out of the bullpen, closer Blake Treinen told reporters that it isn't a concern and he believes in the art of "bullpenning."

"We've got the arms to make this make sense," Treinen said, according to Jane Lee of MLB.com.

The Yankees already announced that right-hander Luis Severino will toe the rubber in opposition at Yankee Stadium. The game is slated to begin at 8:08 p.m., ET on Wednesday.