With how long the MLB season is, it can be easy to lose track of the plethora of roster transactions that occur each day. Whether a top prospect is being promoted or a struggling veteran is being kicked to the curb, there's no shortage of player movement from the end of March to October.
A former Atlanta Braves pitcher was in the news earlier this week when the Boston Red Sox traded left-handed hurler Sean Newcomb to the Athletics for cash considerations. The 31-year-old southpaw previously spent the 2023 and 2024 campaigns with the A's, leaving time to tell if a reunion will help him get back on track.
As it turns out, the ex-Braves arm won't have to wait long for his next taste of MLB action.
Former Braves LHP Sean Newcomb Immediately Promoted by Athletics
Considering that he was designated for assignment by the Red Sox before the trade, Newcomb isn't on the A's 26-man roster just yet. Well, that changed Wednesday morning as Sactown Sports 1140 AM's Frankie Cartoscelli is reporting the Athletics have optioned RHP Michel Otañez to Triple-A Vegas to make room for Newcomb's contract.
It isn't hard to see why Otañez was the odd man out of the situation. The 27-year-old righty has easily been one of the Athletics' worst arms in 2025, having surrendered a horrific 13.50 ERA after giving up two homers and eight earned runs on seven hits — as well as five walks — in only 5 1/3 innings across six outings.
Whether or not Newcomb is a significant update over Otañez in his Athletics return remains to be seen. The Brockton, MA native is 0-1 with a 3.38 ERA and 1.554 WHIP in seven games (18 2/3 innings) as a reliever this season compared to being 0-3 with a 4.43 ERA and 1.925 WHIP in five contests (22 1/3 innings) as a starter.
Having said that, Newcomb's relief performance worsened as the season progressed, proven by his 5.87 ERA in his last 7 2/3 innings as a reliever. Only time will tell if his fresh start will prevent that trend from continuing.
The Braves will be traveling to Sacramento to face the Athletics right before the MLB All-Star festivities, meaning it won't be long for Atlanta fans to find out if Newcomb has taken advantage of his new lease on life.