A’s Promote Pitcher Acquired in Trade with the Atlanta Braves

The Oakland Athletics have promoted right-handed pitcher Royber Salinas to Triple-A Las Vegas.

Salinas was acquired by the A’s in the Sean Murphy trade with the Atlanta Braves following the 2022 season and is presently ranked as the team’s No. 15 prospect on Pipeline. Kyle Muller, Esteury Ruiz, and Freddy Tarnok were also among those who returned, with each having spent at least a short time in Oakland. When Salinas, 23, was traded, he had already reached his limit in High-A and was a little further away.

With this new promotion, Salinas is now on the verge of making his major league debut with the A’s, which might happen later this season. The A’s have dealt with a number of injuries to start the season, and he might be one of those players in the mix if an opportunity arises. He may perhaps simply earn it.

The right-hander is 2-1 this season with a 2.59 ERA in five starts totaling 24 1/3 innings. FanGraphs scouting report sees him sporting three plus or better pitches with a 55 fastball, 60 slider, and a 60 curve, but it’s his ordinary control that has limited his growth thus far. His walk rate has increased from 10.8% to 13.3% in a small sample, but his FIP is slightly lower, his average against is slightly lower, and he has been effective despite a BABIP against of.340.

Salinas had a 3.55 ERA in 109 innings with 175 strikeouts during his final season with Atlanta. Last season with Double-A Midland, he had a 5.48 ERA in 67 1/3 innings and 89 strikeouts. His strikeout rate (31.4%) isn’t as high as it was in Atlanta (33.1%), but he’s still getting Ks at a good rate, even at a higher level.

Salinas joins the Aviators’ rotation following the promotion of left-handed pitcher Hogan Harris to Oakland. Harris was brought up to replace Joe Boyle, who was placed on the injured list on Monday due to a lower back strain, but will be employed in the bullpen.

The newest member of the Vegas rotation will make his Triple-A debut Tuesday night against the Round Rock Express, a Texas Rangers affiliate.