Adam Oller hoping third time the charm for Oakland A’s

Maybe this time will be different for Adam Oller. The Oakland A’s certainly hope that will be the case.

On Thursday, the A’s brought Oller back to the majors, optioning Sam Selman to Triple-A. This is Oller’s third stint in the majors, although he is expected to work in a long relief role instead of slotting into the rotation. As the A’s are desperately looking for something resembling competence in the bullpen, Oller is getting another chance.

Adam Oller thinks he can find success this time

It is difficult to expect much from Oller. He has a 12.27 ERA and a 2.182 WHiP in his 14.2 innings, striking out 11 batters while issuing 11 walks and allowing six homers. That type of major league showing typically results in a player calling Triple-A home for the majority of their career.

But Oller thinks he has found something. He discovered mechanical flaws during his most recent stint in Las Vegas and has been working to correct them. As he has been better in Triple-A, with a 3.91 ERA while striking out a batter per inning, it is possible that his mechanical issues are the reason for his struggles.

However, even his relative success comes with a caveat. Oller had posted a 1.565 WHiP in his 23 innings at Las Vegas while issuing 15 walks. He will certainly need to improve his command if he is going to make an impact at the major league level.

The A’s are going to give him every opportunity to prove that he can. That revolving door in their bullpen, as they look to find reliable options in just about every capacity, will keep leading to chance after chance. However, at some point, Oller is either going to have to take advantage or he will be passed by.

Adam Oller is getting another chance with the Oakland A’s. Maybe the third time will be the charm as he looks to stick in the majors.