Dany Jimenez already had one brief stint with the Oakland A’s organization. He is hoping this one will last a lot longer.
Jimenez had been a Rule V Draftee for the A’s last season, but was returned to the Blue Jays organization. He is back, having signed a minor league deal to return to Oakland.
A’s agreed to a Minor League deal with RHP Dany Jiménez, whom they took in last year’s Rule 5 Draft but returned in Spring due to a crowded bullpen. Had a good year with Toronto’s Triple-A club. Posted a 2.22 ERA in 39 games, 73 strikeouts and 25 walks in 44 2/3 innings pitched.
— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) November 4, 2021
Dany Jimenez getting second chance with Oakland A’s
Jimenez had faced an uphill battle to crack the A’s major league roster, but his upside was impossible to ignore. His high octane fastball has made him a strikeout machine, but his spotty command has also led to a lot of walks. Ultimately, the A’s returned him to Toronto in the middle of March, where he remained at Triple-A all season.
His Triple-A numbers showed both his potential and his flaws. The 27 year old posted a 2.22 ERA and a 1.209 WHiP over his 44.2 innings, striking out 73 batters. However, he also issued 25 walks and uncorked six wild pitches, showing that those command issues are still a problem.
But Jimenez has a chance with the A’s. Oakland’s bullpen will be in need of several arms as they have several free agents in the bullpen. While it is uncertain as to whether or not Jimenez is receiving an invitation to the major league portion of camp, it certainly would not be a surprise if he did.
Should that happen, Jimenez needs to show that he can be an asset. The walks can be overlooked if he is generating weak contact and getting people out, as was the case with Jake Diekman. But that needs to happen first.
Dany Jimenez is back with the Oakland A’s. He may have his first real chance to stick a major league bullpen with a strong spring training.