The timing has never been right for Daulton Jefferies. He had been an intriguing prospect in the Oakland A’s system, but had dealt with injuries throughout his career and had been unable to get going. He seemed to be on his way to becoming one of the A’s top prospects after a strong 2019 season, only to have the 2020 minor league season canceled due to the pandemic.
While Jefferies did end up making his debut in 2020, he did not fare well in his outing. However, he shook off that experience, putting together a strong spring training performance, only to be edged out by Cole Irvin. Nonetheless, he appeared to be the next man up if the A’s needed another starter.
Daulton Jefferies starting to run out of time
That opportunity seemingly came when Jesus Luzardo injured his hand when hitting it upon a table while playing a video game. Instead, Jefferies was injured himself, leading to an opportunity for James Kaprielian, another seemingly star crossed former prospect. Kaprielian has made the most of that chance, establishing himself as a part of the A’s future.
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Jefferies? He did get another spot start when Kaprielian was injured, and was called up when Seth Brown was placed on the COVID list. However, he has not exactly done much with his opportunities this year, allowing four runs on four runs on five hits and three walks over six innings, striking out five.
This is a far cry from the pitcher he had been in the minors. Jefferies remained on the prospect map due to his excellent command, his ability to spot his pitches making up for less than overpowering stuff. While that has been the case in the minors, even this season, he has not been that pitcher in Oakland.
As such, September will be an important month for Jefferies. He may well get another spot start or two, but is likely to spend most of the month working in the bullpen. If he can pitch well, and show that his minor league success can translate to the major league level, he could still be a part of the A’s future. If not, then his time may have already passed him by.
Daulton Jefferies was expected to be a part of the Oakland A’s future. Unless he starts to show something at the major league level, he may be out of time.