Oakland Athletics Roundup: Pitchers Report to Camp Healthy; Vogt Making Progress

Jesse Hahn, Jarrod Parker Seem Healthy; Stephen Vogt Making Progress
Oakland Athletics Roundup: Monday, February 22

Over the weekend, John Hickey of the San Jose Mercury News reported plenty of good news about the A’s starting rotation.

• Right-hander Jesse Hahn has stated that he’s feeling healthy. Hahn missed the second half of the season with forearm and elbow issues, making just 16 starts in 2015. He has had Tommy John surgery in the past, so the Athletics did not rush him back from his injury. When Hahn was healthy, he posted a 6-6 record with a 3.35 ERA – so his return to the team would be a nice boost for the rotation. He plans to drop his slider from his repertoire, after naming the pitch as the likely culprit for his arm issues.

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• Hickey also stated that the A’s plan to stretch right-hander Jarrod Parker out as starter, but could potentially move him to the bullpen if concerns about his arm arise. Parker had Tommy John surgery in 2014, having already undergone the procedure once before. While pitching in Triple-A last season as he continued to rehab, he fractured his elbow. Parker is certainly an intriguing case in 2016, as the Athletics try to be cautious with his arm while helping him to finally return to the big leagues. Much like the case with Hahn, if Parker can stay healthy, he has the potential to be an impact pitcher for the A’s.

• ESPN reported that Stephen Vogt seems to be progressing steadily after undergoing elbow surgery at the end of January. Vogt is already catching bullpen sessions, although he’s not throwing back to the mound or swinging a bat just yet. Manager Bob Melvin predicts that Vogt will be ready for game action sometime during the second week in March, which should give the A’s All-Star catcher plenty of time to get into form for Opening Day.

In Case You Missed It:

Non-Roster Invitee Guide: Catcher Edition – Speaking of catchers, be sure to check out our guide to the A’s non-roster invitees, including this pair of catchers.

Top Ten Pitchers in Franchise History – Have you seen our list of the all-time Top 10 pitchers in A’s history? There have been plenty of greats, and narrowing it down to the ten best is nearly impossible in a franchise as storied as the Athletics. Who would make your list?

#Athletics

Next: Swingin' A's Seeks New Writers For Upcoming Season

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Fantasy Baseball Crackerjacks: A’s 2016 Fantasy Baseball Preview – Are you a fantasy baseball fanatic? Be sure to follow the latest news from Fantasy Baseball Crackerjacks as they tell you who to draft and who to drop throughout the season. This preview predicts how the Oakland Athletics’ biggest stars will do in your draft.