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Mike Fiers suffers yet another setback in attempt to return

By David Hill

May 6, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Mike Fiers (50) delivers a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays during the third inning at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Mike Fiers (50) delivers a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays during the third inning at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mike Fiers was meant to be the fallback option for the Oakland A’s. A dependable innings eater throughout his career, he was supposed to serve as a long reliever, slotting into the rotation should an injury arise. As the A’s rotation is not exactly filled with paragons of health, Fiers was expected to have a key role on the pitching staff.

Instead, he fell victim to the injury bug himself, lasting two outings before being placed on the Injured List with a sprained elbow. He has begun the comeback trail several times, only to continue to have discomfort and be shut down.

Mike Fiers suffers another setback

It does not appear as though Fiers will be back any time soon. He had begun a throwing program again, but felt discomfort after throwing on Monday. He is now slated to see Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday to determine if there is anything else wrong with his elbow.

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Fiers had been brought back on a one year deal, a contract that he was hoping would come his way. However, he has not exactly rewarded the A’s for that deal, allowing eight runs on 15 hits, including four homers, and four walks in his 9.1 innings while taking the loss in both of his outings.

One can easily see why the A’s had hoped that Fiers would be a valuable part of their plans. He had been solid in his time in Oakland before, a dependable back of the rotation arm that would take the ball every fifth day. That type of pitcher, and veteran presence, has plenty of value for a team such as the A’s.

However, he has not been able to be that this season. Instead, he has been another move that has not worked out, just like most of the A’s moves. As is the case with Trevor Rosenthal, injuries hampered his season before it was able to get started.

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Mike Fiers has had another setback as he attempts to return to the Oakland A’s. At this point, it may be fair to wonder if he will ever come back.