Andrew Triggs Recalled; Eric Surkamp Optioned – Will Jesse Hahn Join the Oakland Athletics on Friday?
On Monday, the Oakland Athletics optioned left-handed starter Eric Surkamp to Triple-A Nashville and called up right-hander Andrew Triggs in his place.
The deciding factor was Surkamp’s short outing on Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays. The lefty pitched just 4.2 innings, allowing nine hits and walking four as he gave up six earned runs, including a pair of homers. He struck out just three batters, and continued a season-long trend of being unable to go six innings or more, the benchmark for a quality start.
Triggs, who was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles this spring, has had a decent start to the 2016 season with the Sounds. In six outings, he has a 2-1 record with a 5.14 ERA, but that’s largely due to one outing, in which he gave up three earned runs. He’s walked three and struck out nine, and has yet to allow a home run.
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Triggs is an interesting addition, given that the Athletics will need to make another move prior Surkamp’s next start. Since the series with the Tigers is four games, there is no scheduled off-day to give the Athletics more time. Does this bode well for Jesse Hahn?
The A’s were insistent that the Sounds get Hahn back on track following his rained-out start last week. In his start on Wednesday, Hahn was held to a 50-pitch limit so that he could pitch Sunday on three days rest. Hahn threw 34 pitches in the first inning, lasting only 3.1 innings. He still managed to limit New Orleans to just three runs, despite allowing seven hits and three walks.
Prior to the rainout that threw him off track, Hahn had made a pair of scoreless six-inning starts and seemed ready to return to the big leagues. It seems likely that he’ll join the team this Friday, based on the transactions the Athletics have made.
In the meantime, the A’s will get a look at the 27-year-old Triggs. Triggs throws a two-seam and four-seam fastball, a slider and changeup, with a three-quarters arm slot delivery. The deception combined with a fastball that creeps into the mid-90s makes him a tough pitcher to face.
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In 2015, Triggs posted a 1.03 ERA with the Bowie Baysox, pitching 61 innings over 43 appearances and striking out 70 batters, while allowing just 11 walks and 42 hits. He took over closing duties partway through the season, notching 17 saves for Baltimore’s Double-A club.
Surkamp, who had a strong Spring Training, will look to get back on track in the minors – presumably taking Hahn’s spot in the Nashville rotation.