Even though the Oakland Athletics have signed some new starting pitchers this offseason, they still have a handful of young starters on their roster. Since last year’s rotation was afflicted with numerous injuries, the A’s wanted to make sure that they had enough arms to last them the entire year. Additionally, with the health status still slightly unclear for some, it is expected that the Athletics’ rotation will change a few times over the course of the season. Thankfully, Oakland has a lot of starting pitching depth.
The only spots in the rotation that are unlikely to change are No. 1 and No. 2. These are expected to be filled by Sonny Gray and Rich Hill. Unless either of them incurs an injury, they will fill these positions in the rotation for the entire 2016 season.
However, the last three spots will be assigned based on health. For example, it is believed that youngsters Jesse Hahn and Kendall Graveman will make the starting rotation if they have fully overcome their previous injuries. Hahn went down mid-season with a forearm injury while Graveman incurred an oblique strain. Hahn’s injury is much more of a concern and the Athletics will not put him in the starting rotation unless he is completely healthy. If the A’s believe Hahn is not ready, an additional spot in the rotation would be open for someone else to fill.
Then there is Henderson Alvarez, who has still not officially signed with Oakland due to a pending physical. However, if healthy, he is suppose to make the starting five. Alvarez had shoulder surgery in 2015 that caused him to miss the second half of the season. It is unclear, yet believed unlikely, that he will be fully recovered by the start of the 2016 season. Thus, a spot on the rotation may be up for grabs right out of spring training.
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The Oakland Athletics will not be in trouble if they do need some extra arms at the start of the year. They will have many options to choose from including Chris Bassitt, Sean Nolin, Aaron Brooks, Felix Doubront and possibly minor leaguer Sean Manaea. Because of all of the health concerns surrounding the presumed starting five, these backups will most likely get the chance to pitch in a starting role in some capacity in 2016.
Oakland’s rotation could be fluid this upcoming season. With some many good pitching options to choose from, it will be easy to swap out starters if one should incur an injury or perform poorly on a consistent basis. Like 2015, expect to see many different faces take the mound throughout this upcoming season.