Oakland Athletics righthander Brandon McCarthy, who has been on the disabled list since May 19 with shoulder trouble, was activated Sunday and will pitch Monday against the Mariners, according to MLB.com.
The A’s had been using a six-man rotation, but with McCarthy’s return, they will resume the normal five-man rotation that most teams use. Tom Green writes at the MLB.com link:
McCarthy made two rehab appearances with Class A Stockton, including one start. The righty pitched a combined 10 innings, including six innings of one-run ball on June 29. Because he wasn’t fully extended during his rehab outings, it is likely McCarthy will be held to a pitch count similar to the one fellow starter Rich Harden had during his season debut on Friday.
Lefthander Josh Outman, who had pitched effectively for the A’s during McCarthy’s absence, with a 3-3 record and 3.47 ERA and six quality starts in eight total outings, was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento to make room for McCarthy on the roster.