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OAKLAND – Jason Hammel will miss his next start to be with his wife for the birth of their second child, A’s manager Bob Melvin confirmed before Tuesday’s game against Texas.
Melvin added that left-hander Drew Pomeranz is likely to start in Hammel’s place against the Philadelphia Phillies this weekend. Pomeranz, currently pitching out of the bullpen, hasn’t appeared in a game in exactly two weeks, but he threw live batting practice in an extended throwing session Tuesday afternoon.
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He’s made nine starts for Oakland this season, including a spot start Aug. 27 at Houston when he allowed no earned runs over 5 1/3 innings.
The A’s have yet to announce their pitching probables for the weekend series against Philadelphia, but it makes sense that Pomeranz would go Saturday. Jon Lester figures to start Friday so the lefty ace can stay on his regular turn. He’s also lined up to start the American League wild-card game should the A’s qualify for it.
