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Lou Trivino trying to pitch his way into Oakland A’s good graces again

By David Hill

Sep 12, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics catcher Yan Gomes (23) congratulates relief pitcher Lou Trivino (62) during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics catcher Yan Gomes (23) congratulates relief pitcher Lou Trivino (62) during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /
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It had seemed that Lou Trivino would be the least of the Oakland A’s worries down the stretch. Although the bullpen, Trivino included, had been overworked, he had continued to plug right along, proving to be a solid closer throughout the season. With questions about the rotation, and the offense being sporadic at best, Trivino’s presence in the ninth inning was a godsend.

Then everything fell apart. He blew the save when called upon to pitch for the third consecutive game on August 21, beginning a stretch where he was practically unusable. Trivino allowed 13 runs on eight hits and five walks over his 3.2 innings, losing the closer role and being used only in the worst of mopup duties.

Lou Trivino starting to get back on track

Trivino did not pitch between September 4 and September 10 as the A’s attempted to give him some rest. While they had attempted to do so previously, giving him a week between appearances in the midst of his struggles, that clearly was not enough.

This time, that rest appears to have done the trick. Trivino has begun to look like himself again over his past three outings, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out seven batters over his four innings of work.

Obviously, it is a small sample size. The A’s would need to see that Trivino is back to form for more than just three outings. There may not be enough time for Trivino to reclaim his closer role before the season comes to an end. But this strong showing over these past three games has to give the A’s reason to hope.

If Trivino is indeed back to his previous form, he could end up being a key part of the future. It remains to be seen if they would entrust the ninth inning to him once again, or utilize him in a setup role next season. It may depend on what the A’s want to spend in free agency, and how Trivino finishes out the year.

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Lou Trivino is starting to look like himself once more. It may only be three outings, but the Oakland A’s will certainly take it.