A’s claim pitcher Donn Roach; Sonny Gray update and more

With Triple-A Nashville about to start the playoffs and losing pitchers to the big-league team at a rapid rate, the A’s claimed right-hander Donn Roach from the Tigers on Monday and assigned him to the Sounds.

Roach, 26, had two relief outings with the Mariners earlier in the season and put up an 8.44 ERA; he was 6-6 with a 4.08 ERA in 22 appearances with Triple-A Tacoma, where he made 22 starts.

Roach, who also has pitched for the Padres and Cubs, is 3-1 with a 5.77 ERA in 21 big-league games, including two starts.

The Sounds, at 83-59 going into Monday’s season finale, have the best record in the Pacific Coast League despite 189 transactions (yes, really) this year.

Alvarez might throw a few innings in Oakland’s bullpen before the end of the season; the team’s packed 40-man roster makes a move tricky and the A’s might elect to part ways with a veteran who is not in their future plans.

Starter Andrew Triggs hasn’t recovered enough to begin throwing yet after the back issue that knocked him out of Friday’s start after one inning.