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Oakland Athletics: It’s Time To Call Up Starter Sean Manaea

By Samantha Riley

Nov 7, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Sean Manaea during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars game at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Sean Manaea during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars game at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oakland Athletics acquired star pitching prospect Sean Manaea in a trade with the Kansas City Royals on July 28, 2015

The Oakland Athletics’ starting rotation has not been incredibly strong so far this season. Combined, the rotation has a 3.62 ERA and has allowed 43 runs in 106.2 innings pitched. On Monday, the A’s have sent their No. 5 starter Eric Surkamp back down to the minor leagues and called up reliever Andrew Triggs.

It is obvious that Triggs will only be in the big leagues for a short period of time since Oakland will need another starter to fill Surkamp’s spot in the rotation by Friday. One question does remain – will it be Jesse Hahn or Sean Manaea who will fill that last starter role?

Hahn was sent down to the minors surprisingly after numerous poor outings during spring camp. Hahn was suppose to be the A’s No. 3 starter barring any injuries this year, so it was quite shocking that Oakland would demote him right at the start of the season. Manaea, on the other hand, was one of the stars of spring training, quickly proving that he would be ready to pitch in the big leagues this year.

Even though Hahn has more experience starting in the big leagues on a regular basis, he has not pitched more than four innings in his past two starts. Additionally, in his last two outings, he has given up four runs, walked three batters and only struck out two. Hahn needs to stay in the minor leagues just a little bit longer until he can prove that he will be a consistent and reliable starter.

While the A’s continue to wait on Hahn, Manaea is ready for his big league debut. He has made three starts while with Triple-A Nashville and maintained a 1.50 ERA. Manaea also has a 1.11 WHIP and 2-0 record. Lastly, he has struck out 21 batters over 18 innings pitched.

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If Manaea is called up this week, he may only spend a short period of time in the majors since Hahn is the preferable starter due to his experience. However, Manaea needs a taste of the big leagues, so he can be adequately prepared for when he called up to permanently fill a spot in the Athletics’ starting rotation. There is no doubt that Manaea is ready, so why not give him the chance while Hahn continues to find his footing?

The Oakland Athletics’ starting five have been shaky so far this season. Why call up a mediocre starter when the A’s have the opportunity to bring up a young star who could breath new life into the rotation? It may not be the safe move to promote Manaea so early in the season, but it could pay off in a big way.