Athletics manager Mark Kotsay, who played for Bruce Bochy with the San Diego Padres from 2001-03, will serve as a coach on his staff for the 2024 All-Star Game on July 16 at Globe Light Field in Texas.
Bochy, who managed the Texas Rangers to the World Series title last year, broached the subject with Kotsay when the Rangers were visiting Oakland May 6-9.
“He asked me if I’d be interested in joining him for the game and be on his staff,” Kotsay told reporters Tuesday before the A’s faced the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim. “I had to check with my wife. I was pretty positive we had something planed. But there’s nothing better than being able to be part of his staff, an honor really to enjoy the summer classic.
“It’s something I’ve never done . . . I don’t know how many more seasons Boch is going ot do this. To be able to watch him work will be great.”
A veteran of 17 years as a player, Kotsay never made an All-Star team although he had some excellent years. He had probably his best seasons with the A’s in 2004 and 2005, hitting .314 and .280 with 15 homers each season and RBI totals of 63 and 82.
Kotsay, who took over for Bob Melvin when the A’s underwent a roster teardown under John Fisher before the 2023 season, has a 139-266 record as a major league manager.
A’s DFA Aaron Brooks
The Athletics designated right-hander Aaron Brooks for assignment one day after he threw five innings and gave up one earned run in a 5-1 loss to the Angels Tuesday night. Brooks was called up specifically for a long relief role and was needed when starter Luis Medina gave up four runs and threw 79 pitches in three innings.
Having thrown five innings, Brooks would be unavailable for the next couple of days. Assuming he clears waivers, he’ll likely be back in Las Vegas and be eligible to be called up again should similar circumstances arise.
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Left-hander Jack O’Loughlin was promoted and will be available in a relief role. In his previous short stint with the A’s, O’Loughlin pitched three times and didn’t allow a run in seven innings before being optioned to Las Vegas on June 9.
NOTABLE
— Starting pitchers Ross Stripling (elbow) and Paul Blackburn (metatarsal) had bullpen sessions Tuesday, will have another one on Saturday and if all goes well could be facing hitters next week before likely getting rehab assignments.