Otero struggled on Friday night, taking the loss after coming into a tie game in the eighth and allowing two runs. Otero is currently in the mix for the primary right-handed setup man for the A's, but has not pitched especially well so far. He has allowed runs in two of his five outings and has given up seven hits through his first four innings. Otero had an exceptional 2014, putting up a 2.28 ERA in 86.2 innings.

Otero blew a save in the eighth inning Saturday, allowing a three-run homer to Nelson Cruz. Otero figures to be the primary right-handed setup man while Tyler Clippard is filling in for Sean Doolitle at closer. The homer allowed was a rarity for Otero who had gave up four homers in 86.2 innings in 2014.

Otero is likely to be the main right-handed set up option, John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group reports. Otero's main competition entering the spring appeared to be Tyler Clippard and Ryan Cook, but with the former likely to close until Sean Doolittle returns and the latter sent down to the minors, it seems to be his job to lose. The 30-year-old posted a 2.28 ERA in 72 appearances last season, mainly working in the seventh and eighth innings.

Otero got the loss on Saturday, allowing a two-run homer to Fredddy Galvis in a tie game in the seventh inning. Otero has had a strong season with a 2.40 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP over 82.2 innings. Otero's biggest strength is his ability to limit the home run ball as the bomb on Saturday was only his fourth allowed on the season.

The A's recalled Otero from Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Otero was sent to the minors Thursday, but he was brought back quickly with Sean Doolittle (oblique) likely headed for the disabled list. Otero owns a 2.28 ERA with the A's this season, and figures to reclaim his role as a middle reliever with the big club.

Otero was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Otero's demotion is likely temporary, as the team currently needs a roster spot to activate outfielder Craig Gentry from the disabled list. Typically Otero serves in long relief, but with Jason Hammel available out of the bullpen, the righty was deemed expendable for the time being.

Danny Otero pitched a scoreless 12th and notched his seventh relief victory of the year Friday as Oakland edged Toronto 1-0.The winning run scored on a Melky Cabrera error in the bottom of the 12th. Otero is the first reliever to seven wins this year, having overtaken Bryan Morris of the Pirates and now the Marlins. The sinkerballer has a 2.02 ERA, even though he's struck out just 25 in 53 1/3 innings.

Danny Otero pitched a scoreless 12th and notched his seventh relief victory of the year Friday as Oakland edged Toronto 1-0. The winning run scored on a Melky Cabrera error in the bottom of the 12th. Otero is the first reliever to seven wins this year, having overtaken Bryan Morris of the Pirates and now the Marlins. The sinkerballer has a 2.02 ERA, even though he's struck out just 25 in 53 1/3 innings.

Dan Otero earned his first career save on Thursday, hurling a scoreless ninth inning against the Red Sox in a 4-2 win. Otero coughed up a one-out double to Dustin Pedroia, but he elicited no further drama. "Were you guys nervous?" Otero asked the ensembled media after the game. Since Sean Doolittle had pitched in two straight days, the A's elected to give Otero the opportunity. Claimed off waivers from the Yankees 14 months ago, Otero has produced a stellar 2.25 ERA and 1.02 WHIP over 44 innings this year. We expect him to remain a strong setup man, but Otero shouldn't be expected to earn many more saves.

Danny Otero took a tough loss Thursday, getting charged with three runs in his third inning of relief against the Rays. Manager Bob Melvin asked Otero to go a third inning to finish off the Rays today -- even though he just threw two innings on Tuesday -- and it backfired. Working with a 2-1 lead in the 11th, he gave up the tying run on a single with two outs, resulting in his removal. Luke Gregerson then came in and immediately gave up a game-ending three-run homer, adding two more runs to Otero's total and giving him his first loss after four wins. Otero was working on a streak of 16 straight scoreless innings going into the 11th today.