The A’s have lost eight of 12 and face the largest division deficit of any team in the American League. But they can take solace in a reliever who has been stopping left-handers cold while keeping opponents from scoring runs in key situations.
Lefty Daniel Coulombe has held left-handed batters to a .171 average (6-for-35), and opponents are just 1-for-24 against him with runners in scoring position — the best mark in the majors for any pitcher who has faced at least 20 hitters.
“He was kind of thrust into a role that he has not pitched in before,” manager Bob Melvin said.