A’s make rotation switch to get fresh arm in time for wild card push

The Oakland A’s will make a minor rotation adjustment in an effort to boost a fatigued pitching staff down the stretch.

James Kaprielian, who was scheduled to start Saturday in Anaheim against the Los Angeles Angels, will move to the bullpen. Daulton Jefferies, who has been in the bullpen since his call-up in late August, will make his second start of the season and first since Aug. 1, also against the Angels.

Kaprielian was, at one point, in the American League Rookie of the Year conversation. The 27-year-old right-hander took over for an injured Jesús Luzardo in the rotation on May 12 and put up a 2.65 ERA through his first 12 starts. As Kaprielian neared a career-high in innings pitched, he started to waver — posting a 5.73 ERA over his last seven starts.

Kaprielian’s 105 innings pitched this season exceeds by six innings his total innings pitched in four minor league seasons with the New York Yankees and A’s mired by Tommy John surgery in 2017.

“In my opinion, he is a little worn down right now,” manager Bob Melvin said. “He’ll never tell you that.”

Kaprielian was in the bullpen with the rest of the relievers during the A’s win 7-2 over Kansas City on Thursday. Melvin added Kaprielian was “all for pitching out of the bullpen.”

“We wouldn’t be where we are without Kap giving us what he did this year,” Melvin said.

Jefferies, the fresher arm, will tackle the Angels in a weekend away series the A’s could use as a springboard back into a wild card spot. Since his call-up, the 26-year-old has posted a 2.70 ERA, five strikeouts and one walk over 10 innings, four appearances.

“Daulton is pitching great right now,” Melvin said. “And if it’s incrementally better, this time of year we have to go with what’s the best at this particular time. Who knows if it’s one start, I’m not sure.”