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Jeff Criswell making up for lost time

By David Hill

Jun 24, 2019; Omaha, NE, USA; Michigan Wolverines relief pitcher Jeff Criswell (17) throws the ball during the ninth inning against the Vanderbilt Commodores in game one of the championship series of the 2019 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2019; Omaha, NE, USA; Michigan Wolverines relief pitcher Jeff Criswell (17) throws the ball during the ninth inning against the Vanderbilt Commodores in game one of the championship series of the 2019 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jeff Criswell was an intriguing prospect for the Oakland A’s. A second round selection in the 2020 MLB Draft, he had been compared to Chris Bassitt due to a similar build. The hope was that he would be able to move through the system relatively quickly considering his success as a starter and reliever in his collegiate career.

The problem was that Criswell dealt with injury issues in his first season in the A’s system. He pitched just 12 innings in High-A last season, although he was able to notch another 22.2 innings in the Arizona Fall League. That made his performance in 2022 something to watch.

Oakland A’s getting what they hoped for with Jeff Criswell

Criswell is already making up for lost time. His 45.1 innings heading into Wednesday are the most he has pitched since his 2019 season with Michigan. He has fared rather well despite the uptick in workload, posting a 3.38 ERA and a 1.015 WHiP, striking out 55 batters with 17 walks.

Meanwhile, Criswell had an impressive showing in May. He was considered by MLB.com to be the A’s hottest pitcher for the month, with a 2.88 ERA and 37 strikeouts in his last 25 innings. His .188 batting average against is one of the best marks in the league. He is starting to settle in and get comfortable once more.

It may not be a surprise if Criswell gets promoted to Double-A. He is approximately at the average age for the Midwest League and may be due for a challenge if he continues to perform well. While the A’s are likely to monitor his innings this season, they will also want to see how he handles both a full season of work and a move to another level.

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Jeff Criswell has been one of the Oakland A’s hottest prospects over the past few weeks. He is doing his best to make up for lost time.