Elephant Rumblings: Rule 5 pick Noah Murdock makes Opening Day roster

MLB news roundup

Good morning A’s fans and happy Tuesday!

The A’s have in recent years used the annual Rule 5 Draft to add talent to an organization starving for it. It’s been a foregone conclusion in recent years that during a rebuild, the team will use a roster spot on a player they think could be a diamond in the rough. From players like Mark Canha, Nate Freiman and Vimael Machin to guys like Ka’ai Tom, Dany Jimenez, and Mitch Spence, there have been hits and misses but the club always wants to play the game, It makes sense especially when they’re picking near the top of the draft order.

This year the club sat in the fifth overall spot and took advantage of that position, selecting right-hander Noah Murdock. Immediately after the selection it seemed fairly set that Murdock would at the very least begin the season with the Athletics in the bullpen as a middle relief/mop up arm. The club is still trying to emerge from its years-long rebuild but isn’t quite ready yet, making this season the perfect chance to use a roster spot to add more talent. Murdock, who the team took from the Kansas City Royals’ farm system. He dominated at Double-A and he finally reached Triple-A in 2024, pitching 30 games at the minor leagues’ highest level.

Well, yesterday it became official. Mudock was informed by manager Mark Kotsay that he had made the team:

Even though he was a Rule 5 pick and had that going for him entering camp, Murdock still earned his spot. He pitched the second-most games of any pitcher on the team this spring with 7 appearances. He only allowed two hits over 7 ²⁄₃ innings, though five walks helped explain how he still gave up three runs. The walks are something that plagued Murdock during his ascent up the minor league ladder but the team is ready to let him grow in the major leagues and try to fix that problem facing major league hitting. Even with the walks his groundball-inducing style of pitching should help a team that will be playing a presumed bandbox of a minor league stadium. Home runs will be flying out of Sutter Health Park all year long so Murdock’s main job is to keep the ball on the ground.

At the back end of a bullpen on a team in the middle of rebuilding could possibly be the best spot for Murdock to make his introduction to the league. There won’t be a lot of pressure on the 26-year old, especially early on. As long as he doesn’t look completely lost against major league hitters Murdock shouldn’t feel the pressure of being sent down, something a lot of rookies don’t get.

And let’s not forget the human side of this. Mudock, who was drafted all the way back in 2019, will finally realize his dream of pitching in the big leagues. It’s been a long road for the righty but he’s about to be rewarded for his perseverance. Officially, welcome to the team Noah!

Have an excellent day A’s fans!

A’s Coverage:

• Athletics power past Mariners in Mesa 7-6
• Wilson looks like another power threat for A’s with two-homer game
• A’s name Luis Severino Opening Day starter
• Athletics to carry Rule 5 pick Noah Murdock on Opening Day roster

MLB News & Interest:

• Dodgers set roster prior to Opening Day; add Roki Sasaki to roster
• Cubs promote top prospect Matt Shaw prior to Opening Day
• Braves’ Strider impresses in first start back after surgery
• Giants outfielder Lee set for MRI on back
• Braves sign catcher James McCann to minors deal
• Padres put Darvish on pause following fatigue
• White Sox infielder Josh Rojas diagnosed with hairline fracture in toe
• Twins to be without Royce Lewis for Opening Day
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Likely Triple-A team to start the season?

Who would have thought?

A quick box score recap from yesterday

Only a matter of time until he makes his big league debut…

Worth a follow!