Halsey gets the call in a pinch

A's lefty Brady Halsey, acquired from the Diamondbacks during Spring Training, will make his first start of the season for Oakland on Tuesday as injured righty Rich Harden's replacement in the finale of a two-game series against the host Angels.

Halsey won a spot in Arizona's starting rotation last spring and went 8-12 with a 4.61 ERA in 28 games (26 starts). He wasn't expected to win a spot in the Diamondbacks' rotation this spring and was shipped to the A's in exchange for righty reliever Juan Cruz.

Pitching exclusively in relief for Oakland, Halsey posted a 1.42 ERA in nine apppearances through Sunday.

"He's pitched very well for us out of the bullpen," said A's manager Ken Macha. "And he was a starter last year, so this isn't new for him. It's a bit of a luxury to have a guy like him, to tell you the truth."

Halsey's last appearance for Oakland came Wednesday in Texas against the Rangers, whom he held scoreless on three hits over three innings.

Pitching matchup
OAK: LHP Brad Halsey (0-0, 1.42 ERA)
Halsey has one career appearance against the Angels; he pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings against them in Oakland on April 22.

LAA: RHP John Lackey (3-1, 3.09 ERA)
Lackey is 6-1 with a 3.27 ERA in 15 career starts against the A's. In his only start against them this year, he allowed two runs over five innings and did not get a decision.

Player to watch
Infielder Marco Scutaro has the best career numbers among A's with at least 10 at-bats against Lackey. He's 5-for-14 (.357) with a homer and four RBIs.