A’s roster moves: Barnett recalled, Alvarado optioned

TL;DR

The A's recalled Mason Barnett from Triple-A and optioned Elvis Alvarado to the minors. Barnett has a 3.07 ERA in three starts, while Alvarado struggles with an 8.38 ERA this season.

Key points

Mason Barnett recalled from Triple-A
Elvis Alvarado optioned to the minors
Barnett has a 3.07 ERA in Triple-A
Alvarado's ERA is now 8.38 this season
Barnett's role with the A's is still uncertain

Mason BarnettElvis AlvaradoAthleticsKansas City Royals

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Mason Barnett #63 of the Athletics pitches in the top of the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Sutter Health Park on September 26, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Justine Willard/Athletics/Getty Images) | Getty Images The A’s made a small roster move on Saturday morning, bringing up right-hander Mason Barnett from Triple-A while sending Elvis Alvarado down to make room: Barnett has been in the starting rotation down in Las Vegas to start the season, making three starts and posting a solid 3.07 ERA in that time. He’s done well so far but walks have remained an issue for him as he’s issued eight free passes compared to just 10 strikeouts so far. He’s been pitching deep-ish into games too, going 5 1/3, 4, and 5 innings pitched, getting up to the low 80’s. What his role will be with the club isn’t clear quite yet. The starting rotation seems fairly locked in at this point outside of Jacob Lopez, but if the team were planning on replacing him in the rotation with Barnett they would have done this move later when the timing lined up. Fellow right-hander Jack Perkins is considered the long man in the bullpen but Barnett would be another one of those for Mark Kotsay. Most teams don’t usually have two of those types of arms in their bullpen. Keep an eye out for updates regarding their plans with Barnett. How would you use him? Meanwhile Alvarado will head to the minors to try to get himself back on track in a less stressful environment. The right-hander entered the year as one of the top options for late-game work but has seen some major struggles in the early going. Even before last night’s 4-run appearance Alvarado’s ERA was 5.87 and he began to see less high-leverage spots. It’s not sitting at an unsightly 8.38 through the first three weeks. We’ll surely be seeing the 27-year-old righty back with the club soon but for now he’ll head to Triple-A to try to find himself, and hopefully when he returns he can be the arm that the A’s hoped he would be for them this season.

Q&A

What are Mason Barnett's stats in Triple-A before being recalled?

Mason Barnett posted a solid 3.07 ERA in three starts at Triple-A, but he has issued eight walks compared to ten strikeouts.

Why was Elvis Alvarado optioned to the minors?

Elvis Alvarado was optioned to the minors to regain form after struggling with an 8.38 ERA and losing high-leverage opportunities.

What role is expected for Mason Barnett with the A's?

Mason Barnett's role with the A's is unclear, as the starting rotation is mostly set, but he may serve as a long man in the bullpen.

A’s roster moves: Barnett recalled, Alvarado optioned

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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