Oakland Athletics’ 2016 Starting Rotation: Who Will Make It?

Jul 10, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Kendall Graveman (31) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Kendall Graveman

Kendall Graveman has had an up and down season, but has demonstrated that he has the skills and talent to be a future ace. He initially impressed everyone in spring training with a shockingly low ERA of 0.36 over 25.1 innings. And, even though it may have been nerves that sent him down to Triple-A after just four starts with the Athletics this season, he came back in late May proving that he was ready for the starter role.

For May and June, Graveman had a 2.12 ERA and only allowed five home runs in 53.2 innings pitched. He has struggled slightly in July, but that is expected of someone who is pitching their first full season in the Major Leagues. If Graveman continues to improve and nurture his talent, he will earn a rotation spot in 2016.

Chris Bassitt

Chris Bassitt started the season in Triple-A, but he was called up to Oakland to fill Hahn’s spot in the rotation. Despite having an 1-4 losing record, Bassitt has been quite dominant since taking on the starter role – the Athletics just have not given him any run support. Bassitt was acquired in the Samardijza trade that took place during the offseason and after last night’s win against the Baltimore Orioles, Orioles’ manager Buck Showalter told the media that Bassitt is “…the kind of guy you get for Jeff Samardzija”.

Even though Bassitt did not start the season in the Athletics rotation, he has proven that he can pitch successfully in the MLB. He has a 2.64 ERA with 34 strikeouts over 47.2 innings pitched. Tuesday night was his first win as an Athletic and he deserved it. He has been nothing but consistent since being placed in the rotation and will be strongly considered for the 2016 rotation.

Next: Starting Pitchers At Some Point in 2016