What will the A’s do about their starting pitching?
OAKLAND » The non-waiver trade deadline passed and the A’s starting rotation remained the same.
It’s the same rotation that has helped the A’s to a 64- 46 record to take a halfgame lead over the Seattle Mariners for the second American League wild-card spot after Thursday night. But it’s also the same rotation that ranks 22nd in the majors with a 4.34 ERA.
Perhaps more concerning is that Sean Manaea is really the only starter who can be counted on to go somewhat deep into a game. The last time a starter other than Manaea completed seven innings was June 9 when Chris Bassitt did it against the Kansas City Royals.
The A’s have been able to overcome a rotation that has seen 12 pitchers make a start with great hitting and a lights- out bullpen, but it’s clear that the starters will need to pick it up. So of course, most of the questions in this mailbag were focused on that glaring weakness.
Do you expect that we’ll target a starting pitcher in August or just call up Mengden/Naile/internal guys? (from @MoneyballWorks)
Martin Gallegos: I fully expect David Forst and Billy Beane to keep a close eye on the waiver wire for all pitchers, and even position players, looking to add a spark in these final twomonths. MattHarvey is the “big name” pitcher expected to be moved in August, though I already have heard the front office is not a fan of bringing in the former Mets ace. Sonny Gray might also get moved, but I don’t believe the A’s want to go down that road again either, at least not this year.
Two starters whom I think could be had are Twins pitcher Ervin Santana, a 2017 All- Star who is just returning from injury, andWhite Sox pitcher James Shields. Neither represents a huge boost, ala Justin VerlanderwithHouston last year, but both can give you innings, which the A’s will need down the stretch with a bullpen that is already overworked.
The likely scenario? The A’s stick with what they have in the rotation, with Daniel Mengden and Bassitt available in the minors as reinforcement.
If the season ended today, and we made the wildcard playoff against the Yankees, is Sean Manaea the starter or someone else on the rotation who has postseason experience? (from@JohnKnepper)
Gallegos: This is a tricky one. If Manaea is available, he would be a lock to start that game. But there’s a chance Manaea is pitching in those few days before that game in order to help the A’s clinch that wildcard spot. If Manaea can’t go, I think 2011 World Series winner Edwin Jackson is the best bet. Trevor Cahill also is an option, but his poor numbers on the road would be a concern.
Currently, Jed (Lowrie) and Marcus (Semien) have the middle infield locked up. If I remember correctly, (Franklin) Barreto experimented with center field in Triple-A for a bit. Any thoughts on potentially using him there in the majors this season? He looks to have the potential of a really solid hitter. (from @JimmerDMC)
Gallegos: The A’s briefly revisited this in April when the team was in Los Angeles for a two- game series against the Dodgers. Barretowasworking in the outfield pregame both days, but nothing ever came of it. Perhaps the club could again try him there in the spring, but I don’t see him getting any playing time there in the majors this season.
Has (Nick) Martini taken over (Matt) Joyce’s spot for good? (from@Bubbatyuos45)
Gallegos: Martini is looking like the best leadoff hitter the A’s have had all season for his ability to get on base and tremendous bat control, though it is a small sample size. He’s probably going to continue as the starter until he falters, and who knows if Joyce will recover from his back issues any time soon. If Joyce is healthy, I think his veteran presence has a spot on this team.
Any truth to the rumor that the A’s Triple-A team is moving back to the West to replace the team that is leaving Las Vegas? Makes a lot of sense to have a PCL team outWest and closer to Oakland. (from@realtorbb)
Gallegos: Not the first time I have heard this. The A’s four-year player development contract with Nashville is done after this season, and I would think the club would love to find an affiliate closer to home. Whether it’s Vegas or somewhere else, I think the A’s Triple-A club leaves Nashville.
What will the pitching staff look like for the stretch run in September? What options are likely for the A’s for trades with waiver trades? (from @Thisisjinwoo)
Gallegos: Sean Manaea, Edwin Jackson, Trevor Cahill, Brett Anderson and Frankie Montas are the current starting five. Other than DanielMengden overtaking Anderson’s spot, I don’t see much changing for September. Forst pretty much shot down the idea of calling up super prospect Jesus Luzardo, and the only options I see as far as trades are the names I mentioned a few questions ago.