A’s claim RHPs Justin Sterner and Anthony Maldonado off waivers

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Athletics claimed right-handed pitcher Justin Sterner off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays and right-handed pitcher Anthony Maldonado off waivers from the Miami Marlins, the club announced today.

Sterner made his Major League debut with Tampa Bay last year with two relief appearances. He allowed two runs, one earned, on five hits and one walk while striking out four in 4.0 innings. The 28-year-old right-hander spent the balance of the season at Triple-A Durham where he was 2-4 with two saves, a 3.28 ERA and .652 opponents OPS in 34 games. Sterner struck out 60 and walked 17 in 46.2 innings. He is 18-11 with a 4.01 ERA and 274 strikeouts in 206.2 innings in 138 career appearances over four seasons in the minors.

Maldonado also made his Major League debut in 2024 and was 1-1 with one save, a 5.68 ERA and .768 opponents OPS in 16 games, including one start, over four stints with Miami. He struck out 11 and walked seven in 19.0 innings. The 26-year-old right-hander was also 4-4 with five saves and a 4.66 ERA in 33 relief appearances with Triple-A Jacksonville. Maldonado is 18-17 with 23 saves and a 3.16 ERA in 143 career appearances in five seasons in the minors. He has struck out 266 batters in 199.1 Innings and walked 71.