Daniel Mengden was scheduled to start for the A’s last Saturday against the Seattle Mariners. He was ready. Eager. In his last big league start — all the way back on June 23 in Chicago — he gave up five runs in the first inning to the White Sox and lasted just two innings. This was a chance at redemption.



But before coming to the ballpark that morning, the right-hander learned he wouldn’t be starting. It was confusing, to say the least. The team was down two starters after the injuries to Brett Anderson and Sean Manaea. The A’s not only needed Mengden to start, but they needed him to eat innings. Yet he was relegated to the bullpen.



Reliever Liam Hendriks was starting. Hendriks? Of all pitchers? The club designated him for assignment on June 25. Now, he was getting the nod to start against a team the A’s are battling for a wild-card spot.



Manager Bob Melvin had mentioned a day prior the possibility to the media, but it was...