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Oakland A’s rotation takes huge blow with Cole Irvin loss

By David Hill

Apr 30, 2022; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Cole Irvin (19) delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Guardians in the second inning at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2022; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Cole Irvin (19) delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Guardians in the second inning at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cole Irvin had a lot of pressure on him heading into the 2022 season. With the Oakland A’s sell-off, Irvin was expected to step into a key role atop the rotation. He was in the process of doing that during the first part of the season despite seemingly underwhelming stuff.

His ascension to being a top of the rotation arm in Oakland has taken a detour. He has been placed on the Injured List due to the vague designation of shoulder tightness, with Zach Logue being summoned to take his place in the rotation.

Cole Irvin a major loss to Oakland A’s rotation

Irvin had already been more than anyone could have expected. After being purchased from the pitching needy Phillies, he settled in as a solid back of the rotation arm for the A’s last season. However, the A’s were hoping to see more this season.

That had been the case in April. Irvin had posted a 2.93 ERA and a 1.157 WHiP in his 27.2 innings to start the season, striking out 18 batters with seven walks. While his strikeout numbers are lower than expected these days, his impressive command and newfound ability to generate grounders had helped him seemingly take that next step.

It is fair to wonder how long Irvin will be sidelined. The A’s have not announced an expected time frame for Irvin to be sidelined, making that diagnosis a bit more troubling. At the very least, he will miss two or three starts as he rests his shoulder.

Irvin’s health could make a major difference for the A’s going forward as well. He had begun to establish himself as a potential piece for the future, someone that could be a solid option in the rotation when they are ready to contend once more. At 28 years old, he would fit in that younger roster and potentially serve as a veteran mentor once the A’s are ready to compete.

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Cole Irvin has been placed on the Injured List with shoulder tightness. Hopefully, the Oakland A’s pitcher will not be out for too long.