ARLINGTON -- Daniel Mengden's big league career was put on pause Tuesday, with the A's electing to option the struggling right-hander to Triple-A Nashville.
Mengden's rise to the Majors was swift, and he performed admirably upon his June callup before faltering of late. He posted a 2.81 ERA in his first four starts but had a 9.00 ERA in his last five.
The A's will need a starter to replace Mengden in Cleveland on Saturday and are holding out hope that left-hander Rich Hill is their answer. Hill, sidelined by a nagging blister, threw a bullpen session at Globe Life Park on Tuesday afternoon.