Oakland Athletics left-hander Sean Manaea has not made a start in the big leagues in over a year, but he will finally return to action on Sunday when MLB rosters expand, according to William Ladson of MLB.com:

Manaea was emerging as a standout for the Athletics in 2018. He no-hit the Boston Red Sox last April, and through his first 27 starts he had a 3.59 ERA and 1.077 WHIP. However, Manaea went on IL with a shoulder impingement last August and was done for the year.

The 27-year-old underwent shoulder surgery and had been in recovery for most of the 2019 season before beginning a lengthy rehab assignment in July.

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In eight starts in the minor leagues, Manaea has a 4.71 ERA but was also running a 13.1 K/9 against a 2.5 BB/9. The strikeout rate is well above Manaea's career averages, which might suggest that the decision to have surgery could pay long-term dividends for his stuff and velocity.

The Athletics held a one-game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays for the second Wild Card spot in the American League entering play on Saturday, and Manaea's return gives them more depth in the rotation.

Oakland traded for right-hander Tanner Roark at the deadline, and Roark has a 3.30 ERA in his first five starts with the Athletics. Mike Fiers continues to be effective, and Chris Bassitt has been exceptional in the second half.

Should Manaea prove that he can be healthy and string together some quality starts, the Athletics could be one of the more dangerous teams in the American League playoff picture.