From Marc Topkin:
THANK GOD! Also when Witasick is signed; Tim Corcoran will be designated for assignent. Witasick was of course designated for assignment after he requested so, the A's granted his release due to the lack of innings, and looking at his numbers, he's going to add some help to our maligned pen, through 15 innings Witasick has a 3.6 ERA, and has struck out more (10) than he's walked (9), that's always a welcome sign.
Marc Lancaster is reporting the Rays have called up Jason Hammel, who may or may not be starting instead of Edwin Jackson, otherwise he'll join the bullpen. Hammel has been dominant in AAA, in 76 innings Hammel has allowed only 61 hits, 29 walks, and struck out 75 with a .216 BAA and a .580 OBP, lower than James Shields' .617 OPS. I'd expect Jae Seo, who accepted an assignment to Durham; to take Hammel's place in the Durham rotation.