Jun 10, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Drew Pomeranz (13) pitches during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Drew Pomeranz was already in the Athletics’ rotation earlier this season, until the night he lost twice. Once to the Rangers (3 2/3 IP, 8 runs, 7 earned), in his worst outing of the season, and once to the chair he punched, breaking his hand. Luckily, only one of those losses counts towards the A’s record. While in Oakland, Pomeranz pitched to the tune of a 2.91 ERA over 17 appearances, 8 of them starts.
In Sacramento, Pomeranz has been sharp, compiling a 2.88 ERA and has a 3-game winning streak going. In his last start, Pomeranz went 6 innings, gave up 5 hits and 1 run while striking out 9. In fact, Pomeranz has had just one bad start for the River Cats, in which he went just 4 innings and gave up 5 runs. In his other 6 starts, Pomeranz has given up 2 runs or less.
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In addition to his solid pitching performances, his strikeout totals have been very impressive. He has amassed 49 K’s in just 40 2/3 innings.
Whether or not Pomeranz takes the place of struggling starter Jason Hammel remains to be seen. Betting on Pomeranz as some insurance in the bullpen is a pretty safe bet come September.
The only reason Pom Pom wouldn’t make it to Oakland would be if management has kept him in the minors as punishment for the behavior that landed him on the DL. Then again, there were rumblings about Jemile Week’s attitude as well, and he still got the September call-up last season.