Athletics' Justin Sterner: Could be outside closer mix
Rotowire
Sterner has given up four runs on four hits while striking out 12 and walking three across six innings during spring training, and Jason Burke of SI.com didn't list him as a closer candidate for the A's.
Sterner was effective as a rookie last season with 16 holds to go along with a 3.18 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 70:21 K:BB across 65 innings, though he didn't pick up any saves, even after closer Mason Miller was traded away at the deadline. Burke listed Hogan Harris as the early favorite for saves with Scott Barlow and Mark Leiter also in the mix, though manager Mark Kostay isn't expected to utilize a true closer in the traditional sense. Sterner still figures to pick up some saves this season if he pitches similarly to 2025.
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Athletics' Justin Sterner: Strikes out side
Rotowire
Sterner struck out the side in a perfect inning during Wednesday's 7-0 win over the Tigers.
Sterner retired the side on strikeouts in the eighth inning Wednesday, the first time this season he's done so in order. The right-hander has been sharp in August, posting a 1.98 ERA and 0.59 WHIP across 13.2 innings in 11 appearances.
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Athletics' Justin Sterner: Summoned to big leagues
Rotowire
The Athletics recalled Sterner from Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday.
Sterner was unscored upon in 24 of his first 25 appearances in the majors this season but was sent down earlier this month after allowing nine runs (eight earned) across his last two innings. He could work his way back into some high-leverage appearances but will likely be used in the middle innings initially.
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Athletics' Justin Sterner: Moving to Triple-A
Rotowire
The Athletics optioned Sterner to Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.
Sterner will head to the minors just one day after he made his first MLB start. While serving as an opening pitcher in front of bulk reliever Jeffrey Springs, Sterner took his third loss of the season after giving up a solo home run in his lone inning. The Athletics reinstated T.J. McFarland (groin) from the injured list in a corresponding move.
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Athletics' Justin Sterner: Opening Wednesday
Rotowire
Sterner will serve as the opener in Wednesday's game against Minnesota.
Sterner has allowed eight runs (seven earned) in one combined inning across his last three appearances, so the A's will now see if a role change might help him get back on track. He likely won't last more than an inning before handing things off to Jeffrey Springs, who's expected to pitch in bulk relief.
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Athletics' Justin Sterner: Scoreless inning in team debut
Rotowire
Sterner didn't allow a hit but gave up two walks while striking out one over two-thirds of a scoreless inning Friday against the Mariners.
Sterner will pitch in middle relief after he was claimed by the A's off waivers from the Rays in the offseason. Sterner had strong strikeout rates in the minors, including a 31.4 K% at Triple-A last season. He's been prone to giving up home runs (1.36 HR/9 at Triple-A) and doesn't have great velocity (93.5 mph average fastball in the majors last season), so his upside may also be limited at age 28. Still, he could be a productive reliever for a team desperate for bullpen arms.
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Athletics' Justin Sterner: Claimed by Athletics
Rotowire
The Athletics claimed Sterner off waivers from the Rays on Monday.
Sterner, 28, got a cup of coffee with the Rays this season, allowing two runs (one earned) with a 4:1 K:BB over four frames. He collected a 3.28 ERA and 60:17 K:BB across 46.2 innings in 2024 at Triple-A Durham. Sterner will compete for a role in the Athletics' bullpen in 2025.
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Rays' Justin Sterner: Cleared for return
Rotowire
Triple-A Durham reinstated Sterner (undisclosed) from the 7-day injured list Thursday.
Sterner went about one month between appearances due to an unspecified injury, though he looked electric in his first game back Friday against Triple-A Columbus. The 28-year-old right-hander fanned three batters in a perfect inning and now owns a 3.67 ERA with 48 strikeouts across 41.2 frames this season with Durham.
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Rays' Justin Sterner: Sent down to minors
Rotowire
The Rays optioned Sterner to Triple-A Durham on Friday, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports.
Sterner was up as bullpen protection for a couple days but didn't make an appearance. Shane Baz -- who will start Friday's game against the Rangers -- will fill Sterner's roster spot.
