Bielak (1-0) picked up the win in an extra-innings victory over the Rockies on Thursday, allowing a hit and a walk over one-third of an inning. He struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

Bielak came into the game with runners at the corners and two outs in the top of the 11th, and after allowing both inherited runners to score, he was able to strike out Jordan Beck to end the inning. That set the stage for the unlikeliest of victories, as the Athletics mounted a five-run rally in the home half of the frame to walk it off. Bielak, who was just acquired via trade from the Astros on May 16, has allowed two earned runs on eight hits and a walk over 5.2 innings across three appearances since his arrival.

The Athletics acquired Bielak from the Astros on Thursday in exchange for cash considerations, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bielak had been designated for assignment and will wind up staying in the American League West. He's out of minor-league options, so the Athletics will need to add him to their active roster. Bielak holds a 5.71 ERA and 1.76 WHIP over 17.1 relief innings this season. While he's pitched exclusively out of the bullpen in 2024, the 28-year-old has plenty of past starting experience, so he could be an option for an Oakland rotation that needs arms.

The Astros designated Bielak for assignment Saturday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The move comes with Houston reinstating right-hander Cristian Javier (neck) off the 15-day injured list. Bielak made the Opening Day roster due to multiple injuries to the Astros' pitching staff and he appeared in 10 games out of the bullpen, posting a 5.71 ERA and 1.76 WHIP over 17.1 innings. Bielak is out of minor-league options, but he could draw interest from teams looking for right-handed depth in the bullpen.

Bielak is likely to make the big-league roster out of spring training due to a combination of injuries to the Astros pitching staff, and because he is out of minor-league options, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bielak hasn't pitched well this spring, allowing six earned runs across 7.1 innings while maintaining just a 5:4 K:BB. However, with both Justin Verlander (shoulder) and Jose Urquidy (forearm) destined for the injured list to begin the campaign, the Astros are in need of pitching depth. As things currently stand, Bielak is expected to serve in a relief role, with Ronel Blanco serving as the fifth starter.

Bielak could be in consideration for a rotation spot to begin the regular season, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Astros were hit with injuries to both Justin Verlander (shoulder) and J.P. France (shoulder) to start spring training. Depending on their availability to begin the regular season, Houston could immediately be reliant upon depth in their pitching staff. Bielak would likely be at the top of the list, as he made 13 major-league starts last season and is also out of minor-league options.

Houston optioned Bielak to Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Bielak allowed three earned runs over 5.1 innings of long relief in the Astros' blowout loss to the Red Sox on Thursday. He threw 112 pitches during that appearance and wasn't going to be available for the next handful of days.

Houston recalled Bielak from Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bielak has worked as a fill-in starter at times this year for the Astros, but he'll return Thursday in a long-relief role. The 27-year-old right-hander carries a 3.74 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 59:33 K:BB through 74.2 major-league innings in 2023.

Bielak was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Jose Urquidy (shoulder) rejoining Houston's rotation later this week, Bielak was sent to the minors to allow the Astros to bolster the bullpen in the short term. Bielak had a 2.63 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and a 22:15 K:BB in 27.1 innings over his last five starts.

Bielak (5-6) took the loss Sunday, allowing six runs (three earned) on eight hits and three walks over five innings against the Rays. He struck out four.

EDGE Analysis

After being tagged for six runs (three earned) in his last start, Bielak surrendered six more against the Rays on Sunday. He struggled with control once again, allowing three or more walks for the fifth time in his last six starts, and now owns an ugly 59:33 K:BB through 74.2 innings (14 appearances). With Jose Urquidy (shoulder) set to return to the Astros rotation this week, Bielak will likely be the odd man out and retreat to the bullpen.

Bielak pitched 4.2 innings against Texas on Monday, allowing six runs (three earned) on six hits and four walks while striking out five batters in a no-decision.

EDGE Analysis

Bielak's final line was softened a bit by the fact that three of the runs against him were unearned, but it was nonetheless a poor outing by the right-hander. He threw just 59 of 102 pitches for a strike and tied a season high with four walks while surrendering a pair of long balls. Nonetheless, Bielak managed to escape with a no-decision thanks to a productive performance by Houston's offense, keeping his record even at 5-5. Bielak had been pitching well in July coming into Monday, posting a 1.02 ERA and 0.85 WHIP over three starts, so the rough outing shouldn't impact his place in the rotation for now. However, Jose Urquidy (shoulder) is on track to return to the rotation in early August, which could send Bielak to the bullpen.