His first go-around wasn’t exactly what we all expected, but Kendall Graveman’s second chance could keep him up for good.
I was probably more excited than most when Graveman was awarded a rotation spot out of spring training. His numbers at every level he played were stellar, he appears to be a fantastic person away from the ballpark, and it just seemed right.
Then he started four games and it was clear he needed time in less stressful games to work on his command. After walking less than two batters per nine innings in 2014, Graveman issued nine walks in 16 innings in the majors in 2015. Since being demoted Graveman has pitched better overall at triple-A Nashville, but still isn’t commanding his pitches as he’d like.
He is walking more than three batters per nine innings, but his ERA is a sterling 1.85 in nearly 25 innings. He has allowed six or less hits in each triple-A game, and surrendered 3, 0, 2, and 0 runs in the four games he’s started.
Drew Pomeranz was placed on the disabled list today and Graveman is expected to start in his place on Saturday.
Leon won't start Saturday, by the way. It's still expected to be Kendall Graveman.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) May 20, 2015
This could mean good things for both Graveman and the Athletics going forward. If Graveman can find the form the Athletics hoped he had entering the regular season he might not relinquish his rotation spot even when Pomeranz returns healthy.
Fernando Abad has been terrible serving as the team’s lefty-specialist. Left-handed hitters are teeing off against him and it has left the A’s and Bob Melvin without reliable options in the bullpen versus lefties.
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Is there a chance Pomeranz gets moved to the pen when he returns? There has always been a slight concern over Pomeranz’s ability to pitch deep into games and his inability to develop another out-pitch. If he was moved to the bullpen he wouldn’t have to. He wouldn’t need to serve only as a left-specialist either since he’s show the ability to get righties out as well. Sean Nolin is another option to fill that void.
Nolin recently was optioned to triple-A following his rehab stint there and could easily be the lefty to replace Abad in the bullpen. He has looked terrific, by the way.
Following Tuesday night’s loss — and another poor outing from Abad — Melvin expressed he has no other options but to hope Abad figures it out.
No one is getting fooled, Bob. And you do have options.