Athletics Make Roster Decision for Royals Game

Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Athletics Make Roster Decision for Royals Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Aug 18, 2026 4:44 PM ET

The Athletics made a pitching change Tuesday, recalling right-hander Taylor Rashi from Triple-A Las Vegas and optioning right-hander Mason Barnett to the minors.

The move comes one day after Barnett struggled in the Athletics’ 9-5 loss to the Kansas City Royals. The right-hander allowed six earned runs on seven hits and four walks over 2.2 innings in the series opener.

Barnett entered Monday with a 1-3 record and a 6.16 ERA, but the rough outing pushed his ERA to 7.08. He has struggled to establish consistency during his time with the Athletics this season after working primarily as a reliever earlier in the year.

The Athletics announced the roster move through the team’s official communications account on X, confirming that right-hander Taylor Rashi was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas while right-hander Mason Barnett was optioned to the minors.

The Athletics recalled right-handed pitcher Taylor Rashi from Triple-A Las Vegas and optioned right-handed pitcher Mason Barnett to Las Vegas.
— A’s Communications (@AthleticsPR) August 18, 2026

Rashi gives the Athletics another arm for the bullpen after joining the organization earlier this month. The right-hander was claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Twins and optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Aug. 9.

Rashi has spent most of 2026 in the minors. Across Triple-A stops with Arizona and Minnesota, he has posted a 2.63 ERA with 45 strikeouts in 41 innings, according to Baseball-Reference.

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay (7) Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The 30-year-old also has three games of Major League experience this season, all coming with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He allowed four earned runs in 3.2 innings before spending the bulk of the season in Triple-A.

The Athletics enter Tuesday at 49-76 and will try to even the series against Kansas City. Jack Perkins is scheduled to start for the Athletics in the second game of the four-game set.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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