It was the right move in theory. Trevor Rosenthal was willing to accept a large amount of deferred money to head to the Oakland A’s to be their closer in 2021. The A’s desperately needed a closer after Liam Hendriks departed for a much larger bank account and Rosenthal was a solid fit.
But we all know what they say about the best laid plans. Rosenthal was placed on the Injured List right before the season began and underwent surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome. Then, as he was attempting to make a comeback, he needed surgery again, this time for a torn labrum in his hip. Rosenthal had more surgeries (2) than major league pitches (0) thrown in an A’s uniform.
Trevor Rosenthal hoping for another chance
That does not mean that Rosenthal will not get another opportunity. He is healthy once again and hoping to find a team interested in his services. That first step will come on Tuesday as he is set to have a showcase at St. Thomas University.
Rosenthal had been an interesting signing for the A’s prior to being injured. He had an excellent showing in the pandemic shortened 2020 campaign, posting a 1.90 ERA and a 0.845 WHiP in his 23.2 innings, striking out 38 batters with eight walks while notching 11 saves.
However, he was not exactly lights out for years before that. The former All Star closer had undergone Tommy John surgery that cost him part of 2017 and the 2018 campaign. His 2019 season was a disaster as he posted a 13.50 ERA and a 2.413 WHiP in his 15.1 innings, issuing 26 walks while hitting four batters and uncorking nine wild pitches.
Thoracic outlet syndrome does not exactly have a solid rate of return. While some pitchers have been fine, or even better, afterward, others never end up finding their way back. Rosenthal is certainly worth a look if he performs well in his showcase, but it is going to be impossible to expect much from him.
Trevor Rosenthal is finally holding his showcase on Tuesday. Maybe, just maybe, he will actually be able to get back on the mound in the majors.