Oakland Athletics: Sean Nolin Claimed Off Waivers by the Brewers
By Casey Witt
Oakland Athletics Designated Starting Pitcher Sean Nolin for Assignment On February 12, 2016
On Monday, the Milwaukee Brewers claimed left-handed starting pitcher Sean Nolin off waivers from the Oakland Athletics.
Nolin was designated for assignment by the ball club last week after the A’s acquired power-hitting outfielder Khris Davis from the Brewers in exchange for catching prospect Jacob Nottingham and right-handed hurler Bowdien “Bubba” Derby.
The 26-year-old from Seaford, New York, made his way to the East Bay after being shipped to the Athletics in the November 2014 Josh Donaldson trade along with former A’s third baseman Brett Lawrie, starting pitcher Kendall Graveman, and prized shortstop prospect Franklin Barreto.
Nolin spent the majority of the 2015 campaign pitching in Triple-A with the Nashville Sounds, and put up an impressive 2.66 earned run average in 47 1/3 innings with a respectable 38:19 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Since joining the Athletics, lingering effects from a sports hernia surgery limited Nolin’s time on the playing field. When he’s on the mound, the lefty is topping out at around 86-88 miles-per-hour.
The Brewers are enduring a rebuild phase, so taking a chance on Nolin isn’t out of the question — assuming he cracks the club’s 25-man roster. The south paw is currently out of options. Although a promising spring from the 26-year-old — whether it be from a velocity or mechanical standpoint, could subsequently warrant Nolin a spot in the Brewers bullpen, according to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
LHP Sean Nolin was being developed as starter but #Brewers GM David Stearns said he would be looked at in relief.
— Tom (@Haudricourt) February 22, 2016
After recovering from surgery, Nolin made 10 appearances for Oakland’s Triple-A affiliate, only to be sidelined for a month with a left shoulder injury. He was given another opportunity with the Athletics in September when the roster expanded. Unfortunately, he couldn’t replicate those numbers with Nashville and posted a 1-2 record with a 5.28 earned run average in six starts.
Next: A's 2016 Preview: Reliever J.B. Wendelken