The Oakland Athletics made a significant roster change on Friday, May 9, 2025, designating rookie right-handed reliever Noah Murdock for assignment. This decision comes after a series of disappointing performances that saw Murdock struggling to find his footing in the major leagues. The A's have promoted righty Elvis Alvarado from Triple-A Las Vegas to take Murdock's place on the roster.
Murdock, who stands tall at 6-foot-8 and weighs 205 pounds, was selected fourth overall in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft. However, his time with the A's has been marked by struggles on the mound. Over 14 games this season, Murdock posted a staggering 13.24 ERA, allowing 26 hits, 25 runs, and 20 walks while striking out just 21 batters. His performance peaked in a disastrous outing on April 29 against the Texas Rangers, where he surrendered four hits, three walks, and seven runs without recording a single out in a 15-2 loss.
The A's management, led by manager Mark Kotsay, had been closely monitoring Murdock's performance. His last appearance on May 7 against the Seattle Mariners proved to be the tipping point. In that game, Murdock allowed a 5-4 lead to slip away in the eighth inning, contributing to a 6-5 loss that further complicated the A's position in the competitive AL West.
“For Noah, he obviously made this team out of spring training. He pitched well enough to be on this roster and be given this opportunity to be a big leaguer and pitch out of our bullpen,” Kotsay stated after the Mariners game. “As the season progresses, you continue to re-evaluate, you continue to look at the roster, and you continue to try to improve the roster. Unfortunately, with Noah as a Rule 5 guy, you don't get the luxury of just optioning him.”
With Murdock now on waivers, any team can claim him. If he goes unclaimed, he will be offered back to the Kansas City Royals, who left him off their 40-man roster last winter, making him eligible for the Rule 5 Draft.
In contrast, Alvarado, who is 6-foot-4 and weighs 183 pounds, is looking to make an impact in the majors after spending seven years in the minors. He was claimed off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates at the end of January 2025. In his stint with Triple-A Las Vegas, Alvarado has shown promise, posting a 3.45 ERA across 15.2 innings, with an impressive strikeout rate of 35.5% and a reduced walk rate of just 6.5%. This marks a significant improvement compared to last season when he walked 17.9% of the batters he faced.
Alvarado's opportunity with the A's could come as early as Friday night as the team prepares to face the New York Yankees at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. The A's are hoping that Alvarado can provide the middle-relief stability they have been seeking, especially after Murdock's tumultuous tenure.
The decision to designate Murdock for assignment reflects the A's commitment to improving their roster and finding reliable arms in the bullpen. With the AL West race heating up, every game counts, and the A's are determined to make adjustments that can lead to better outcomes.
As the team gears up for the weekend series against the Yankees, the spotlight will be on Alvarado as he looks to seize this long-awaited chance to prove himself at the major league level. Fans will be eager to see if he can follow a similar path to success as other relief arms the A's have brought up in recent years, such as Michel Otañez, who had a successful stint after making his debut last season.
The A's are at a crucial juncture in their season, and the performance of their new call-up will be closely scrutinized. With Murdock's struggles behind them, the team is focused on turning the page and finding the right combination of players to compete effectively in the AL West.
In conclusion, the A's are looking to rebound from recent setbacks as they welcome Alvarado to the big leagues. The upcoming series against the Yankees will be a pivotal moment for both the team and their new reliever, as they aim to find their footing in a challenging season.
