Cotton among pitchers likely to get promoted

ST. LOUIS — The A’s, overcome by injuries to their pitching staff this season, are likely to prioritize arms when rosters expand next week.

Oakland may not seek immediate help when it opens a lengthy homestand on Friday, beginning with a three-game series against the Red Sox, but by early next week, a new wave of pitchers could be on their way — notably right-hander Jharel Cotton.

One of three pitchers acquired in the deal that sent Rich Hill and Josh Reddick to the Dodgers last month, Cotton has quickly impressed with Triple-A Nashville, pitching to a 3.31 ERA in four starts.

A native of the Virgin Islands, Cotton was a 20th-round Draft pick of the Dodgers in 2012. The 24-year-old, who’s ranked Oakland’s No. 15 prospect, features a mid-90s fastball and a plus changeup. He would also bring a refreshing helping of optimism for fans as an otherwise disappointing season comes to a close.

Cotton will have some company, too. September could showcase the debut of right-hander Raul Alcantara, who, coincidentally, was also part of a Reddick trade. Alcantara and Reddick were two of three players that landed in Oakland in a 2011 deal that sent reliever Andrew Bailey and outfielder Ryan Sweeney to Boston.

Alcantara, 23, began the season in Double-A Midland before …

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