Athletics Unearth Reliable Reliever in Scott Blewett
The Athletics have found a dependable bullpen arm in Scott Blewett, acquired from the Cardinals in late July. The 30-year-old right-hander has excelled at keeping the ball on the ground and limiting home runs, addressing a major weakness for the team's pitching staff. He has emerged as a high-leverage option for the A's.
Blewett's emergence comes amid a turbulent season for the A's bullpen, which lost both of its marquee offseason additions. Mark Leiter Jr. saw his campaign end due to injury, while Scott Barlow was designated for assignment after a rough stretch. The team has since relied on waiver claims and low-cost acquisitions to patch the relief corps.
The right-hander's success stems from elite extension and improved velocity, which make his fastball play up significantly. His advanced metrics—including a 39.3 percent chase rate and 3 percent barrel rate—suggest sustainability. With Elvis Alvarado handling closing duties, Blewett appears poised to serve as a primary setup option, potentially solidifying a role in the team's future plans as they search for a new general manager.
This story may resonate most with Athletics fans and fantasy baseball players, who could see Blewett's emergence as a rare bright spot in a difficult season. His performance could also influence the team's offseason strategy, potentially reducing pressure to spend heavily on bullpen help while they search for new leadership. For the broader baseball community, it highlights how undervalued pitchers with strong underlying metrics can still be found through modest transactions, which may encourage other clubs to look beyond traditional scouting when evaluating relievers.