Oakland Athletics 2016 Preview: Left Handed Pitcher Felix Doubront
Long reliever Felix Doubront could find himself pitching in the Oakland Athletics’ starting rotation in 2016
Going into February, it seemed as though the Oakland Athletics had a solid amount of starting pitching depth. However, after a couple of trades, the number of available starters on the roster dwindled. Even though the lack of starting pitching depth is quite worrisome, it does give lefty Felix Doubront a better chance of making the rotation in 2016.
Doubront was traded from the Toronto Blue Jays to the Oakland Athletics on July 31, 2015 for cash considerations. At the time, it seemed like a miniscule trade. It was expected that Doubront would either become part of the already floundering bullpen as a long reliever or he would fill a rotation spot should anymore of the starters go down with injuries.
While with the A’s, Doubront filled in wherever he was needed much like Jesse Chavez did for the Athletics in 2013, 2014 and part of the 2015. Throughout the second half of the season, Doubront made three relief appearances and eight starts. Even though he did well in August and maintained a 3.28 ERA that month, his overall performance while wearing green and gold was underwhelming.
Doubront had a 5.81 ERA with a 1.44 WHIP while with the Oakland Athletics last year. Additionally, he allowed 55 hits and 35 runs in 52.2 innings pitched. Because of his performance in 2015, many were surprised that Doubront made it through the Athletics’ roster rebuild this offseason. However, now with the lack of starting pitching depth, everyone is glad he stuck around.
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For the 2016 season, it is likely Doubront will once again assume that long reliever role with the possibility of spot starting here and there. Even though he found more success as a relief pitcher, it is likely he will assume a starting rotation spot at some point during the 2016 season.
Currently, the A’s have Sonny Gray, Rich Hill, Jesse Hahn, Kendall Graveman and Chris Bassitt pencilled in to fill rotation for the regular season. Besides those five, there is very little starting pitching depth. Lefty Henderson Alvarez will not be healthy until May and Jarrod Parker is already on the 60-day disabled list. The A’s do have top pitching prospect Sean Manaea, who will probably see some major league time this season, but it is likely that the A’s will want Manaea to start the year in Triple-A.
Doubront is really the only healthy pitcher available to fill a rotation spot immediately should one of the Athletics’ starting five go down with an injury or underperform. So far during Spring Training this year, Doubront has pitched 5.0 innings and has a 3.60 ERA. Even though he allowed two runs during those innings pitched, he also struck out seven.
Doubront may not be the best starter, but he is another arm that could contribute to the rotation if needed. It is not a question as to if Doubront will end up in the rotation at some point during the 2016, it is a question as to when. Let’s just hope that Doubront’s CrossFit-filled offseason will improve his pitching skills this upcoming year.
Bold Prediction: Felix Doubront will fill a spot in the starting rotation as early as May of the 2016 season.
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