Cole Irvin looks ready in first rehab outing for Oakland A’s

Cole Irvin has been a revelation for the Oakland A’s. Acquired for the ever-popular cash considerations from the Phillies, Irvin was expected to be nothing more than a depth piece, likely stashed in Triple-A until he was needed. However, he earned the last spot in the A’s rotation in spring training and never let go.

Irvin had been off to an impressive start before landing on the Injured List at the beginning of May due to shoulder tendonitis. Naturally, there were going to be plenty of eyes on his rehab assignment with the Stockton Ports on Tuesday, especially as the A’s look to get back on track.

Cole Irvin impresses in first rehab outing

Irvin may only need that one outing. He looked ready during his appearance in Stockton, allowing just one run on five hits in his five innings, striking out six batters while throwing 66 pitches. That outing was certainly everything that the A’s could have hoped for.

It is possible that Irvin’s next outing will come in the majors. He would theoretically line up to take the mound on Sunday, with the A’s currently listing their starting pitcher for the day as “To Be Determined.” That day could easily belong to Irvin.

There is an argument to be made for giving Irvin one more rehab outing. He did throw just 66 pitches on Tuesday and the A’s may want him to increase that amount before being activated. Having him throw one more outing to get to 80 or more pitches could make sense.

Even that may not matter. The A’s are rebuilding and it does not make much of a difference if they let Irvin rebuild his pitch count at the major league level. With that being the case, do not be surprised to see Irvin back with the A’s this weekend.

Cole Irvin impressed during his rehab outing for the Stockton Ports on Tuesday. He may only need that one start before coming back to the Oakland A’s.