Zach Logue impresses in first major league start

Zach Logue did not have much time to be ready for his first major league start. The Oakland A’s placed Cole Irvin on the Injured List on Friday, the day he was slated to take his turn in the rotation. Logue was placed right into that spot, sent out to face the AL Central leading Twins that night.

It would have been understandable if Logue struggled. He found himself heading from Triple-A straight into a major league rotation while facing off against a strong team. In some ways, this was going to be a test that even he may not have expected to pass.

Zach Logue shows something to Oakland A’s

Logue pitched well in the A’s 2-1 loss. He allowed two runs on five hits and two walks over his five innings of work, striking out five. Both runs came via the home run, but he also minimized the damage as they were both solo shots.

He was a somewhat overlooked part of the Matt Chapman trade, a 26 year old with just 19 career appearances at Triple-A. Logue also did not really have a standout quality, with his changeup as his best pitch and a fastball velocity that sits in the lower 90s. However, his ability to command his arsenal and the confidence to use his pitches to any batter regardless of what side of the plate they are on, makes the lefty a more interesting arm than he may appear.

Logue is going to get more of an opportunity to prove himself. With that strong outing, he will get another chance in the rotation while Irvin is sidelined. If he continues to pitch well, Logue could force himself into the A’s plans for the present and future.

Zach Logue did not have much of a chance to be ready for his first major league start. Nonetheless, the Oakland A’s lefty was impressive.