Lou Trivino struggles have to concern Oakland A’s

Lou Trivino was in a strange spot for the Oakland A’s. He began the season as their closer, but there was no guarantee that he would remain in that role throughout the year. Likewise, there was no guarantee that he would even be on the A’s beyond the trade deadline, as teams remain on the constant hunt for bullpen help.

However, Trivino has not had the type of start to his season that anyone would have hoped for. He had struggled with his command prior to landing on the Injured List due to Covid on April 18. In the meantime, he may have lost the closer role to Dany Jimenez, who has had an impressive start to the 2022 campaign.

Lou Trivino struggles in return to mound

After close to two weeks on the shelf, Trivino is finally starting his road back to the majors. He made his first rehab appearance for the Stockton Ports on Sunday, getting the start in that game. The rust was obvious as Trivino allowed five runs on five hits in his inning of work. He did strike out two batters, but also uncorked a wild pitch and allowed a home run.

At least, the A’s have to hope this is just rust. Trivino was not exactly dominant during his time in the majors this season, allowing three runs, two earned, on four hits and three walks over his 3.2 innings. While he did notch two saves and record five strikeouts, the start to his 2022 was not what anyone would have wanted.

This puts the A’s plans into further question. Ideally, Trivino would dominate in the minors and return to the closer role, becoming a serviceable arm in the ninth inning that they could trade at the deadline. But that requires Trivino to return to form, something that could take longer than expected.

Lou Trivino has begun his rehab assignment. If the results from his first outing are any indication, he is a long way from contributing to the Oakland A’s.