ANAHEIM — This is a new situation for Fernando Rodney. Though he’s racked up 325 saves over 16 big league seasons, Rodney won’t be closing games for the A’s. Heck, he might not even pitch in the eighth or seventh inning. And that’s fine with him.
Rodney will gladly sacrifice not being a closer with the A’s for a chance to pitch in the postseason for the fifth time in his career, something that was impossible with the dead in the water Minnesota Twins. Like most contributors on this surprise A’s squad that finds itself in the lead for the second American League wild card spot, he just wants help out however he can.