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A’s Time Machine: Zito Should Have Pitched In ’15

ByJoey Lopez|
September 30, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Barry Zito (75) pitches the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
September 30, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Barry Zito (75) pitches the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Sep 20, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Barry Zito (75) pitches in relief during the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Barry Zito (75) pitches in relief during the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

2. He pitched well in Triple-A Nashville.

If his spring numbers weren’t enough, Zito was prepared to show the A’s he could still be productive.

Zito accepted his Triple-A assignment after the A’s opted to go with a younger rotation (Thanks Kendall Graveman).

He made 24 appearances for the Sounds in 2015 and recorded 13 quality starts in the process. Over138 innings of work, Zito went 8-7 with a 3.46 ERA.

He held opponents to a .231 average and recorded 91 strikeouts against 60 walks. His numbers may not have been CY Young worthy, but Zito’s production in Nashville was encouraging.