Rockies acquired LHP Josh Outman and RHP Guillermo Moscoso from the Rockies for OF Seth Smith.

Outman posted a 3.70 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 35/23 K/BB ratio in 58 1/3 innings last season for the A's, working as both a starter and reliever. He's likely to be a bullpen-only guy in 2012 for the Rockies, but that could change down the road. The 27-year-old southpaw owns a 3.75 career ERA.

Josh Outman was tagged for four runs on eight hits and three walks over just 4 2/3 innings in Sunday's loss to the Rangers.

Outman sidestepped landmines in the first four innings and it finally caught up to him in the fifth, as he was charged with all four of his runs that inning. The left-hander was making a spot start in order to allow Rich Harden an extra day of rest. It's not clear at this point if he'll get another turn.

Athletics recalled LHP Josh Outman from Triple-A Sacramento.

Outman will be used as a reliever, as the A's will call up Graham Godfrey to start the second game of Saturday's doubleheader. It's possible he could earn some starts down the line if he pitches well.

Athletics optioned LHP Josh Outman to Triple-A Sacramento.

Outman posted a 3.47 ERA in eight starts, but he gave up seven runs over his last two outings and there simply wasn't room for him with Brandon McCarthy back from the disabled list. He'll likely get a chance again at some point during the second half.

Josh Outman was quality on Sunday, allowing three runs on eight hits in six innings of work, but got out-dueled by Roy Halladay in Oakland's 3-1 loss to the Phillies.

Outman struck out four and walked two in his fourth consecutive quality start, and sixth in seven outings. He's not racking up many strikeouts, but looks primed to remain a solid option for AL-only league players as long as he remains in Oakland's rotation.

Josh Outman held the Mets in check Tuesday, limiting them to two runs - one earned -- on four hits and two walks while striking out four over six innings in a 7-3 win.

Jason Bay got to Outman for a rare homer, but the lefty was otherwise in control. It's the second straight terrific start for the A's starter, as he shut the Royals out over seven innings the last time out. He holds an ugly 16/12 K/BB ratio over 34 2/3 innings but has managed a 2.86 ERA and 1.21 WHIP over six starts. He'll get the Phillies Sunday.

Josh Outman silenced the Royals on Wednesday evening, allowing just four hits in seven scoreless innings of a 2-1 Oakland win.

He struck out two and walked two in moving to 2-1 on the season. Obviously a very good night, but Outman, now the owner of a 12/11 K/BB ratio through 28 2/3 innings, has a ways to go before he's a viable mixed-league option.

Josh Outman was chased for five runs (four earned) over 2 2/3 innings in a no-decision Friday against the Red Sox.

Outman allowed two runs in the first inning, one in the second and two in the third before being pulled from the game. While he only issued one walk, he threw just 36 out of 67 pitches for strikes. The southpaw has really struggled with his command this season, even during his time with Triple-A Sacramento, so it's difficult to count on him against a potent lineup that will make him pay for his mistakes.

Josh Outman won for the first time in two years Saturday by allowing two runs over six innings versus the Orioles.

Outman, who showed surprisingly strong command in his first start Monday, walked five and gave up six hits in a shaky outing tonight. Fortunately, the Orioles never could come up with a big rally, even though they had men on in every inning. Outman will probably run in trouble at times because of poor control, but he's a decent play in AL-only leagues right now.

Making his first major league start since June 2009, Josh Outman limited the Angels to a run over seven innings on Monday.

It certainly didn't look good when Outman walked two and gave up a run in the first, but he was pretty terrific the rest of the way, walking just one more batter. He had 27 walks in 37 2/3 innings in the minors, so control is a big issue right now. Nevertheless, he has considerable upside. He should be grabbed in AL-only leagues after this one.

Athletics recalled LHP Josh Outman from Triple-A Sacramento.

Outman is scheduled to make his first big league appearance in nearly two years Monday night, when he'll take on the Angels. He's replacing Brandon McCarthy in the rotation. Outman has posted 4.78 ERA and 1.73 WHIP through his first eight starts at Sacramento in his first full season since Tommy John surgery. He's been wild, walking 27 in 37 2/3 innings. We'd wait until after Monday's game to decide whether you want to take a flier on him in AL-only leagues.

Josh Outman will be recalled from Triple-A Sacramento to start on Monday.

He'll replace Brandon McCarthy in the rotation. Outman has posted 4.78 ERA and 1.73 WHIP through his first eight starts in what is his first full season since Tommy John surgery. He's been wild, walking 27 in 37 2/3 innings. The A's will need another starter for Tuesday to replace Tyson Ross. Guillermo Moscoso is the most likely candidate.

Josh Outman could take Tyson Ross' place in Oakland's rotation if his strained oblique necessitates a trip to the disabled list.

It almost certainly will, so there's a very good chance either Outman or Guillermo Moscoso will be taking Ross' next turn in the rotation. Outman last appeared in the major leagues in 2009, and has posted a 4.78 ERA and 1.73 WHIP through his first eight starts for Triple-A Sacramento this season, making him hard to recommend for a flier in AL-only leagues.

Athletics reassigned LHP Josh Outman and RHP Guillermo Moscoso to minor league camp.

The left-handed Outman is nearly two years removed from Tommy John surgery and wasn't prepared to win the fifth starter spot this spring. He and Moscoso will begin the year in Triple-A Sacramento's rotation. The fifth-starter competition is down to Brandon McCarthy, Tyson Ross and Bobby Cramer, with McCarthy as the heavy favorite.

Josh Outman will likely begin the 2011 season at Triple-A.

The left-hander is nearly two years removed from Tommy John surgery. "I'm not sharp enough right now to warrant any starts here," Outman said. According to Lee, he will likely be re-assigned to minor league camp on Sunday to get stretched out. The fifth-starter competition is now down to Brandon McCarthy, Tyson Ross and Bobby Cramer. McCarthy is the most accomplished of the three and has had a strong spring, making him the favorite.

Josh Outman acknowledged Monday that he's likely to begin the 2011 season at Triple-A.

Brandon McCarthy has become the sudden favorite to capture the A's No. 5 starter role. "I think I've accepted the fact that that [Triple-A] may be where I need to start the season," said Outman. "There are obviously a lot of talented guys here battling for that final spot. If that's where I need to be to get my work in and get back on track, I'm fine with that." The left-hander is nearly two years removed from Tommy John surgery.

Josh Outman turned in another bad outing on Friday, allowing seven hits and four runs in three innings of relief against Milwaukee.

Oakland's Rich Harden insurance policy now owns an 11.74 ERA in 7 2/3 innings this spring. If he doesn't start getting results soon, his roster spot could be in danger.

Josh Outman struggled against the Padres on Sunday, giving up five hits, three walks and four runs in just 1 1/3 innings.

He struck out just one while surrendering home runs to Jorge Cantu and Logan Forsythe. This is the second straight bad outing for a pitcher whose results actually matter this spring as he looks to beat out Rich Harden for the fifth spot in Oakland's rotation.

Josh Outman surrendered two runs over 1 1/3 relief innings Wednesday against the Indians.

The southpaw really struggled, as he gave up three hits, walked three and struck out one. Outman is aiming to beat out Rich Harden and Brandon McCarthy for the final spot in the A's rotation, and he's not off to a good start. He hasn't pitched in the majors since June of 2009 due to Tommy John surgery.

Josh Outman (elbow) aims to earn a spot in the Athletics' starting rotation next spring.

"I'm going to go into [the competition] with the same mindset I did before '09," said Outman. "That fifth spot was up for grabs, and that's how it's going to be again. I want to compete for it, earn it. I don't know what they're going to do, but I plan on earning that fifth spot." Outman hasn't pitched in the big leagues since June of 2009 due to Tommy John surgery, but has made four starts with the Athletics' Instructional League team this fall. He's scheduled for his fifth and final start on Thursday. There will likely be some competition for the fifth spot in the A's rotation next spring, though Vin Mazzaro should be considered the in-house favorite if he remains in the organization.