ARLINGTON, Texas - The A’s traveling party this year has expanded by one.
The team has added a second bullpen catcher, along with incumbent Phil Pohl, because the workload is so heavy that most teams now use two extra catchers. In the A’s case, with Pohl being among the regular batting-practice pitchers, the need was even more obvious. Whenever Pohl or the A’s second catcher wasn’t available, bullpen coach Scott Emerson had to catch side sessions or warm up relievers.
So Oakland brought former White Sox minor-leaguer Jeremy Dowdy, 26, on board to start the regular season.