Brent Honeywell Jr. was supposed to be a major league mainstay by this point in time. The former top prospect with the Tampa Bay Rays was supposed to be a future ace, someone who would lead their rotation into the current decade. However, injuries derailed his career, leaving him to make just three major league appearances, all of which came in 2021.
Injuries continued to rear their head this year. Honeywell appeared to have an inside track at a spot in the Oakland A’s rotation, only for an elbow issue in March to shut him down once again.
Oakland A’s could see Brent Honeywell Jr. this year
But Honeywell is getting closer to returning. He made his first appearance on Tuesday with the Stockton Ports, allowing a hit while striking out two batters. While it was just one inning, it was a great start to his rehab outings.
That outing is also a sign of hope. While manager Mark Kotsay said that Honeywell will have another outing in Stockton, he could be in Triple-A soon. In fact, if that next outing for the Ports goes well, his next start could be in Las Vegas.
From there, it is a matter of staying healthy and building his pitch count back up. Honeywell can be on his rehab stint until September 16, which would theoretically allow three weeks of major league action. Those outings would go a long way towards the A’s determination for his role in 2023.
At this point, getting Honeywell through the end of the year without injury would be an accomplishment. It is entirely possible that he can capture a degree of his potential, but he has to be on the mound in order for that to happen.
Brent Honeywell Jr. has begun his rehab assignment. If everything goes well and he stays healthy, he could make his Oakland A’s debut this year.