Yusmeiro Petit – the Oakland A’s hidden All Star

Middle relievers may not receive much attention when it comes to the All Star Game. This is particularly true with the Oakland A’s, who typically need to rely upon the forces that be for their players to be selected. A middle reliever or setup man may receive even less attention as there are limited slots and every team needs a representative.

But Yusmeiro Petit is trying to change that narrative. He has been a key part of the A’s bullpen over the years, a rubber armed righty who is typically amongst the league leaders in appearances. But this year, he has been more than a dependable, albeit anonymous, reliever.

Yusmeiro Petit making All Star case

Petit is in the midst of another solid season, posting a 3.13 ERA and a 1.074 WHiP over his 31.2 innings entering Tuesday, striking out 21 batters with just five walks. He has done a tremendous job of keeping the ball in the park, allowing only one homer thus far on the season. Petit even notched his seven career save this season, getting the rare ninth inning chance.

More from White Cleat Beat

• Zach Logue yet another disappointing Oakland A’s trade return
• Luis Barrera heading to familiar foe in Los Angeles Angels
• Looking back at Ruben Sierra with the Oakland A’s
• San Francisco Giants showing Oakland A’s offseason could be worse
• Lucas Luetge what Oakland A’s need in bullpen

Given his history, it is not a surprise that Petit leads the majors with 29 appearances. He also has a 7-0 record, leading the majors with his perfect winning percentage. Those seven wins are tied for second in the American League, and his 1.9 Win Probability Added is tied with the likes of Gerrit Cole and Aroldis Chapman.

He has had his share of success in the majors. Interestingly, Petit holds the record with 46 consecutive batters retired, a streak that spanned eight appearances, including two starts. He also came within one out of a perfect game in 2013, allowing a base hit on a 3-2 pitch with two out in the bottom of the ninth to miss out on history.

Petit has been relatively anonymous in his 14 years in the majors. He has never received consideration for any awards, be it weekly, monthly, or seasonal. His 2014 World Series ring from his time with the Giants is the only accolade he has received in his career. It is time that changes.

Yusmeiro Petit has had another solid season for the Oakland A’s. It is time that his relatively anonymous career gets some recognition and an All Star nod.