OAKLAND -- The A's will begin the season with an eight-man bullpen, foregoing a fifth outfielder in favor of additional relief behind a young starting staff, A's manager Bob Melvin announced Saturday morning.
Right-hander Frankie Montas and lefty Daniel Coulombe were picked to fill out the bullpen, while Jaff Decker was the odd man out of the outfield. Mark Canha will serve as the backup center fielder.
"I'm comfortable with it," Melvin said. "Now, Rajai [Davis] is going to get the brunt of the time, and how long we stay with eight relievers, we'll see.