Sam Selman keeps riding the road from Las Vegas

Even if he did not get into the game on Sunday, there was a familiar face in the Oakland A’s bullpen. Sam Selman was back once more, taking the place of Jared Koenig, who had been sent to Triple-A.

This marks the third time that Selman has been recalled from Las Vegas. While his first stint lasted for one game at the end of April, he had a five appearance stay in the majors from the end of May into the beginning of June. Since the end of the month is rapidly approaching, it was seemingly inevitable that Selman would return.

Oakland A’s bring Sam Selman back again

Selman has not been terrible during his previous stints with the A’s. He has allowed four runs on six hits and two walks over seven innings, with two homers making a major difference to his ERA. At the same time, he has struck out ten batters, his 12.9 K/9 rate the second best of anyone who has thrown a pitch for the A’s this season.

However, Selman certainly deserves another look based on his showing in his latest stint in Las Vegas. He had allowed just one run on three hits and a walk in his 4.2 innings since being sent back down, striking out four batters. It is a strong enough performance to warrant another opportunity.

That is especially the case as the A’s desperately attempt to find major league caliber arms. Selman has had some success before and had been a solid enough option back in 2020. Although he is 31 years old, he still has five years of team control left and could be a longer term option if he has success.

Maybe the third time will be the charm. Oakland is going to keep cycling through relievers, giving players chance after chance. That has been the case with Selman, who is now getting his third look at the majors this year.

Sam Selman is on his third stint with the Oakland A’s already this season. Maybe this time, he will stick around for a bit longer.