Athletics pitcher Drew Pomeranz was a logical choice to step into the rotation following Dan Straily's demotion, and manager Bob Melvin confirmed as much Friday.
"He has pitched his way into this role," Melvin told MLB.com. "It's difficult to be that long guy, too, when you're not getting regular work. But each and every time we've called on him, he's done a good job for us, and certainly in a starting role, as we saw the day before yesterday."
Pomeranz impressed in a brief starting opportunity Wednesday, as he tossed five shutout innings in a doubleheader against the Mariners. He now has a 1.45 ERA with 16 strikeouts and only six walks in 18 2/3 innings of work on the season.
Pomeranz will likely make his next start Monday against the White Sox.