Ferguson was summoned to protect a two-run lead in the final frame and needed just seven pitches (seven strikes) to set down the Angels. The unheralded 30-year-old rookie has reeled off seven consecutive scoreless appearances since July 13 and appears primed for a high-leverage role in Oakland the rest of the way. There won’t be a ton of save chances for him, but he’s looked extremely sharp since the All-Star break.

We figured Lucas Erceg would be the favorite for saves with Mason Miller sidelined, but the A’s used him against the second, third and fourth hitters in the Angels lineup in the eighth inning tonight. That left the bottom half the order for Ferguson in the ninth, and he got the job done with ease for his first save in 19 appearances this season. We’d still say that Erceg is the A’s reliever worth rostering with Miller out.

Ferguson returns to the big leagues ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Angels to fill a middle relief role in Oakland’s bullpen.

Ferguson was shipped back to the minors as Oakland made a flurry of roster moves prior to Friday’s contest against the Braves.