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Lou Trivino has proven his value to Oakland A’s

By David Hill

Jul 11, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Lou Trivino (62) throws during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 11, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Lou Trivino (62) throws during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the trade deadline approaches, there will be plenty of rumors circulating around the Oakland A’s. As a team in playoff contention despite numerous holes, the A’s are going to be brought up frequently. The closer role, currently held by Lou Trivino, is one that has received attention over the past few days.

There is no question that the A’s need bullpen help. Trivino, Jake Diekman, and Yusmeiro Petit have been run ragged, as they are part of the group that Bob Melvin can trust. The A’s need pieces to help the middle of the bullpen, bridging the gap to get to those later innings.

Oakland A’s have no reason to replace Lou Trivino

One of the hotter rumors is that the A’s are interested in Craig Kimbrel. Such a move would certainly improve the bullpen, giving Oakland the type of relief corps that can be an asset in the postseason. However, with the Cubs having already traded Joc Pederson, and Kimbrel’s stature as the best reliever that could be on the trade block, there will be plenty of competition for his services.

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Meanwhile, Trivino has done nothing to lose the closer role. He has been a revelation now that he has the ninth inning as his own, notching 14 saves in 16 chances while posting a 1.84 ERA and a 1.159 WHiP. He has struck out 41 batters with 21 walks in his 44 innings, and while his command can be shaky, he has performed well this season.

Trivino has been utterly dominant over the past two months. Since his five run implosion while recording just one out on May 5, he has posted a stellar 0.34 ERA and a 1.050 WHiP over his 26.2 innings, striking out 22 batters with 12 walks. Opponents have just two extra base hits in that time, posting a .182/.284/.227 batting line in 103 plate appearances.

There are concerns with Trivino. He can lose his command at times, and he does not strike out batters at the level as the top shutdown closers in the game. But there is no questioning the results. Trivino has been excellent as the A’s closer. There is no reason to replace him, especially at the trade deadline.

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The Oakland A’s need help in their bullpen. Removing Lou Trivino from the closer role for a trade acquisition is not the answer.