Baseball Notebook

Former Bruin called to Oakland Athletics

Former UCLA outfielder Eric Byrnes was called up to the Oakland
Athletics’ big league club last Wednesday.

Byrnes hit .333 with 48 home runs and 203 runs batted in during
his career at UCLA, which spanned from 1995 to 1998.

In 1995, he was a first-team freshman All-American and was named
to the All-Pac-10 squad. Byrnes was part of UCLA’s 1997
College World Series qualifying squad as well.

Oakland plans to use Byrnes as a designated hitter.

UCLA signs five more recruits

After signing five players in the fall early signing period, the
Bruins added five more recruits in the late signing period.

UCLA received letters of intent from utility player Kevin Conlin
(University HS, Irvine), catcher Chris Denove (Agoura Hills HS),
pitcher David Johnson (Mira Costa HS, Manhattan Beach), utility
player Kyle Mowery (Capistrano HS, Dana Point) and Kyle Wilson
(Valencia HS).

Jon Brandt health update

Regular Saturday starting pitcher and clutch performer Jon
Brandt has been out of commission with a nagging back injury since
the Washington series on April 15. The Bruins have been 0-3 on
Saturdays since Brandt’s back became an issue.

Brandt threw a light bullpen session with the catcher less than
the normal 60 feet away on May 1. Bruin Head Coach Gary Adams
reported that Brandt’s back was at 98 percent going into the
weekend.

Brandt tested his back for the first time Saturday in a relief
role. He struggled to regain former rhythm, allowing three runs,
two inherited and one of his own, to score.

The senior hurler will give it another try on Wednesday when he
starts against Cal State Fullerton.

Compiled by Scott Bair and Dylan Hernandez, Daily Bruin Senior
Staff.