3 possible All Stars for the Oakland A’s
By David Hill
Dany Jimenez
It is not a surprise that Dany Jimenez earned a job in the Oakland A’s bullpen. What is a surprise is that he has become a solid closer at the major league level.
Jimenez had intrigued the A’s with his swing and miss stuff before, having been selected in the Rule V Draft before being returned to the Blue Jays. It was not a surprise that the A’s scooped him back up as a minor league free agent this offseason.
His opportunity to make an impact came when Lou Trivino struggled as the A’s closer and landed on the COVID-19 List. Jimenez stepped into that role and did not look back, having posted a 2.25 ERA and a 1.050 WHiP over his 20 innings, striking out 21 batters with eight walks. He also has ten saves thus far, making those rare ninth inning leads stand up.
At 28 years old, Jimenez is not exactly a kid. However, he is young enough to be a key part of the A’s future. He is also just starting his prime and should be a solid option for years to come. Chances are, this will not be the first time that Jimenez finds himself in the conversation for an All Star nod.
Dany Jimenez has been an excellent piece in a mediocre Oakland A’s bullpen. His showing could result in an All Star berth.