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

Aug 3, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jesse Chavez (30) throws a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

A.J. Griffin

Like Parker, Griffin missed the 2014 season due to Tommy John surgery and has been slowly completing his rehab assignment this year. However, he has dealt with some shoulder soreness, which has halted his rehabilitation progress. Griffin is a good pitcher. However, compared so some of the other prospects and starters that the Athletics currently have, he may not have enough to make the starting rotation. It will really depend on how he performs when he returns from the disabled list, but the chance of Griffin making the starting rotation in 2016 may be slim.

Drew Pomeranz & Jesse Chavez

These two long relievers turned starters are in very similar situations. They will have a chance to earn a spot on the Athletics’ starting rotation, but it is unlikely they will actually begin the 2016 as a starter. Both seem to fare much better as long relievers in the bullpen.

Drew Pomeranz began the season as the Athletics’ fifth starter but was not consistent enough to hold on to the position. He currently resides in the A’s bullpen. Jesse Chavez was inserted into Oakland’s rotation in late April this year and pitched pretty well up until July. He has struggled throughout July and into August thus suggesting that he cannot handle the workload of a full season starter. It is highly likely that he will be replaced soon, which just further reduces his chances of being a starting pitcher in 2016

Next: Oakland Athletics Need To Give Up On Jesse Chavez As A Starter