Major League Baseball

Milone optioned to Triple-A Sacramento

Published Jul. 5, 2014 8:52 p.m. ET

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OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Tommy Milone, who threw six shutout innings in Oakland's victory on Friday, found himself headed to Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday.

The Athletics optioned the left-hander to clear the way for right-hander Jeff Samardzija, obtained with Jason Hammel in a trade with the Chicago Cubs, to start Sunday's series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays.

The A's will make an additional move when Hammel reports on Sunday.

''What do you say to a guy like that?'' A's manager Bob Melvin said. ''He's been terrific his last 10 starts and has meant a lot to us the last three years. I tried to figure out what to say to him. We haven't seen the last of him.''

Friday's trade was met with excitement in the A's clubhouse, though that was tempered by the loss of Milone, 6-3 with a 3.55 ERA and .245 opponents batting average in 16 starts for the A's.

''This game is cruel sometimes,'' A's catcher Stephen Vogt said. ''Tommy has earned his spot in the big leagues. He'll be back and be a big part of this team down the stretch.''

Milone opened the year going 0-3 with a 5.86 ERA in five starts. He's 6-0 with a 2.62 ERA in 11 starts since.

''I feel terrible for him,'' A's closer Sean Dolittle said. ''He's one of the most liked guys in the clubhouse. It was tough to come in and see him clearing out his locker.''

Milone is 31-22 with a 3.84 ERA in 75 games, 73 starts, in three seasons with the A's.

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