NEW YORK -- Though the A's simultaneous trade of veteran relievers Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson to the Nationals was sensible for both sides, there's no denying the present consequences of last week's deal in Oakland.
The A's bullpen is hurting without their complementary setup men. The club was reminded of this for the second straight night Saturday, when the team came out on the wrong end of a six-run comeback in a 6-5 loss to the Mets at Citi Field.
Saturday starter Sean Manaea took the brunt of the blame for the club's latest late-inning meltdown, unraveling in a four-run sixth inning after maneuvering his way through five scoreless.