Roster Changes In Kane County And Stockton

The Oakland A's made a series of changes to the rosters of the Kane County Cougars and the Stockton Ports on Monday, as a quartet of pitchers were involved in the moves.

On Monday, the Oakland A's promoted Kane County relievers Branden Dewing and T.J. Franco to High-A Stockton. Lefty Derek Tharpe was sent back to Kane County after struggling in Stockton. Inoel Deaza was also activated from the Cougars' disabled list after missing two weeks.

Dewing was arguably the Cougars most effective reliever this season. He allowed only two runs in 28 innings for Kane County, all in relief. He had two saves and his 0.64 ERA was tops on the team. He struck out 24 and walked eight. Dewing was selected out of San Jose State in the 2006 draft and this is his first trip to High-A.

Franco will also be making his first appearance in High-A. Franco was also a valuable member of the Cougars' bullpen this season. He had a 2.67 ERA in 17 relief appearances. He had two wins and two saves for the Cougars and had struck out 24 and walked seven in 33.2 innings.

Tharpe missed the start of the season in extended spring training and struggled when he finally did arrive in Stockton. The lefty had a 5.09 ERA and had allowed 36 hits in 23 innings pitched for the Ports. He struck out 21 and walked 10. Tharpe missed all of last season and spent the 2005 campaign in Kane County.

Deaza last pitched on May 28. He is 0-5 with a 6.37 ERA in 35.1 innings for the Cougars this season. Deaza has pitched both as a starter and in relief. He has a respectable 30:9 K:BB ratio this season, but he has allowed six homers and 48 hits.