OAKLAND — A’s All-Star closer Sean Doolittle is back on the active roster and thrilled to be back, even if it won’t be as the closer initially.
“That’s the furthest thing from my mind,” Doolittle said of resuming closer duties. “I’m just excited to be back. I’ve told (Bob Melvin), however he wants to use me, I’ll be ready. I’m not even thinking about roles. I’ll just be ready when the phone rings. Hopefully I pitch well to get back in that conversation.”
Melvin, the A’s manager, said Tyler Clippard will hold onto the closer job for now and his hope is to work Doolittle slowly back into the mix.