Sep 7, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Sean Doolittle (62) pitches the ball against the Houston Astros during the ninth inning at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Athletics deleted the Houston Astros 10-9. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Four Relievers Who Should Return in 2016 for the Oakland Athletics
It’s probably impossible to use the phrase “the bullpen has been terrible” more often than A’s fans have in 2015. With all of the relievers seeming to have a collectively bad season, it almost seems like a fresh start would be a blessing for the bullpen. However, there are four pitchers who have earned the opportunity to return (or at least haven’t managed to disqualify themselves from it.)
By posting solid numbers, either throughout the season or in the short-term, they’ve proven they should be a key part of the 2016 relief crew. While there are certainly others who deserve the chance to show their value in Spring Training, only these four should be considered locks for next season:
It’s been quite a long year for Doolittle, given that he missed most of the season with a shoulder injury and only recently returned from the disabled list. In seven appearances this season, he’s thrown 6.2 innings and given up three runs on four hits and three walks.
Those numbers on their own are not impressive, but they also don’t matter whatsoever. Doolittle hasn’t pitched in major-league game action since his season debut on May 27, when he threw exactly one inning before being placed on the disabled list for the second time this year. He’s certainly not going to be up to his usual standards with that little playing time.
However, what those numbers don’t show is that all three of Doolittle’s runs came in his first two games he appeared in after his August return. Since then, he’s made four one-inning appearances and given up just one hit, without walking anyone. Doolittle is back, and assuming he’s healthy coming out of Spring Training next season, the Oakland Athletics won’t need to even consider signing a closer.
In looking at the Athletics’ numerous blown saves and one-run losses this season, it’s not hard to imagine that the season could have been a lot different with Doolittle on the mound in the ninth inning. Luckily, he should be around next season to pick up where he left off in 2014. If there’s one pitcher in the entire bullpen who should absolutely stay with the team at any reasonable cost, it’s Doolittle.
Next: The Former Starter
Aug 29, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Drew Pomeranz (13) throws during the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Pomeranz might not look like an impressive reliever on paper, given his 3.68 ERA, but his numbers are largely affected by his time as a starter at the beginning of the season. Luckily, the Athletics’ gave up on that idea quickly. In his last 30 games, he has a 2.90 ERA, three saves and 39 strikeouts.
But even those numbers even include a short spot-start appearance. His statistics as a reliever are much more impressive: 36 innings over 38 games, with a 2.50 ERA and 41 strikeouts. Hitters are batting just .189 against him when he appears out of the bullpen, which is certainly a big difference from his starts.
Pomeranz has been one of the few bright spots for the A’s in a season of bullpen mishaps. While he’s had the occasional rough game of his own, Pomeranz has managed to be fairly reliable. His history as a starter gives the Oakland Athletics some options. They can use him in a set-up role, pitching in the eighth inning before Doolittle comes in to handle the ninth. They can also stretch him out and have him play more of a long-man role if needed, although that would really be a waste of his talent.
Last season, Pomeranz logged 10 games in relief, with a 1.62 ERA compared to his still-very-good 2.58 ERA as a starter. When he can pitch for one inning as opposed to worrying about going six-plus innings, Pomeranz is instantly more effective. He can throw his fastball harder, gain a few ticks in velocity, and not have to worry about what his pitch count might be. His performance in 2015 has certainly earned him a spot in next year’s bullpen, but perhaps with the upgraded title of “setup man”.
Next: The Surprise
Aug 26, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Pat Venditte (29) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the sixth inning at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Oakland, 8-2. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Certainly very few people expected Venditte to stick in the major leagues. His fastball isn’t very fast, and it seemed like hitters would easily be able to make adjustments to his fairly-average repertoire. Yet, Venditte has been undeniably good in his limited time with the club.
The switch-pitcher has a 3.72 ERA through 19.1 innings in 16 games, but given his unique skill set, those are still good numbers. Venditte’s strength is his unusual ability to throw from both sides of the mound. This creates a challenge for managers, who must make decisions about when to pinch hit without the added bonus of knowing that they’re forcing opponents to burn through their bullpen. It also makes it easier to get by without a lefty specialist, because Venditte is capable of being a one-out guy if he needs to be.
If any of these four pitchers came with an asterisk, it would be Venditte. Earlier, it was mentioned that Doolittle’s only runs came in the games immediately following his return. Venditte appears to be getting hit harder than he did in June, but there are plenty of reasons that could be true. Primarily, Bob Melvin has begun to use him in increasingly high-leverage situations, which makes it a lot harder to continue throwing scoreless appearances.
The Oakland Athletics’ don’t need a bullpen full of lights-out closers, although it would certainly be nice. They just need a group of guys who can typically hold the opposing team to minimal runs, and Venditte has been able to do just that.
Next: The Newbie
Sep 8, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Ryan Dull (66) throws a pitch against the Houston Astros during the ninth inning at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Athletics defeated the Houston Astros 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Dull may not have been around for long, but he’s been downright impressive in his brief time with the A’s. Since being called up for his major league debut in September, Dull has pitched six scoreless innings in five outings, striking out seven batters in the process. As far as baserunners, Dull has allowed just one hit. Sure, it’s a small sample size, but it lines up with what the young right-hander has done in the minors.
Dull was drafted in the 32nd round of the 2012 draft, and he has progressed steadily through the Oakland Athletics’ system since then. He owns a career minor league ERA of 2.07 over 153 games, with just 259 strikeouts in 209 innings. Confused about why no one has ever talked about Dull’s future with the A’s before? Primarily, it’s because right-handed relievers rarely make headlines – but Dull has potential. Not everyone can strike out batters like that, and he’s only gotten better as he’s jumped through the system.
The 25-year-old split time between Double- and Triple-A this season, throwing 61 innings to the tune of a 0.74 ERA, with 73 punch-outs and just 16 walks. He certainly deserved a September call-up, but he also deserves consideration for a more permanent role with the team. When Opening Day rolls around, Dull should be in the bullpen.
With these four relievers as the base of a revamped bullpen, the Oakland Athletics will have a solid foundation to add to over the off-season.
