When right-hander Matt Harvey signed a minor-league deal with the Oakland Athletics after being let go by the Los Angeles Angels, he had an opt-out date set for Thursday.
The former All-Star elected not to opt out and is willing to transition into a bullpen role, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.
"Gonna give it a shot," Harvey texted.
It's a different attitude from last season when he was still with the New York Mets. Harvey was demoted to the bullpen and was summarily "pissed off" and motivated to work his way back into the rotation.
With left-handers Sean Manaea and Jesus Luzardo on the verge of joining the club, Oakland doesn't have room in its rotation for Harvey at the moment.
Harvey has pitched exclusively in Triple-A since signing with the A's on Aug. 14. Over three starts, he's posted a 3.60 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 10.80 K/9 over 15 innings. It's a promising development after he posted a 7.09 ERA over 12 starts with the Angels.
If Harvey continues his effectiveness, he could be called upon to help the big-league relief corps.
