Robertson Recalled; Street To DL

The Oakland A's have been ravaged by injuries this season, but this latest injury comes as a surprise. Huston Street was placed on the DL on Tuesday with irritation in the ulnar nerve of his right elbow. Street last pitched on Saturday. Rookie right-hander Connor Robertson has been chosen to take Street's place in the bullpen.

The injuries that have plagued the Oakland A's this season continued on Tuesday, as the team announced that closer Huston Street was headed to the disabled list with an irritation of the ulnar nerve in his right (throwing) elbow. This is an injury that can cost a player as much as two months or more.

Street was off to a strong start in 2007, converting 9 of 11 save chances and compiling a 2.50 ERA in 18 appearances. He last pitched on Saturday against the Cleveland Indians. He struck out two of the three batters he faced. There had not been any news of an injury to Street in the media prior to Street being placed on the DL.

Replacing Street on the roster will be right-hander Connor Robertson, who had been acting as a closer for the Sacramento River Cats for much of the season. Robertson was off to a strong start to the 2007 season, as well, compiling a 1.93 ERA in 18.2 innings this season. He had two saves for the River Cats and four wins against zero losses.

Robertson was a 31st round selection by the A's in the 2004 draft out of Birmingham-Southern. The right-hander has been one of the A's top strikeout pitchers since he joined the organization. Including this season, Robertson has struck out 287 batters in only 211.2 innings in the minor leagues. He has 19 strikeouts in 18.2 innings this season.

Robertson was invited to major league spring training this season for the first time in his career. He had a 3.18 ERA and he struck out 10 in 5.2 innings of work during his time at major league camp.

The right-hander throws his fastball in the high-80s/low-90s with late downward movement. He also has an excellent slider that sits in the mid-80s, and he has tinkered with a cut fastball and a change-up.

Robertson had served as a set-up man for Marcus McBeth in each of the last two seasons and moved into the closer's role this season when McBeth was traded to Cincinnati. Ironically, on the same day that Robertson is being promoted to the big leagues, McBeth has also received the call from Cincinnati.

The A's did not have to drop anyone from the 40-man roster, as they had an open spot thanks to the release of utilityman Todd Walker this past weekend.