It was a matter of time before Ken Waldichuk got his chance with the Oakland A’s. That chance is coming on Thursday.
According to Matt Kawahara from the San Francisco Chronicle, Waldichuk is being promoted to the majors when roster expand on September 1. Martin Gallegos of MLB.com further reported that Waldichuk will get the ball and make his debut that day.
Ken Waldichuk gives Oakland A’s look at the future
It is entirely possible that he does not leave the rotation again. The A’s need pitchers that can not only be a part of the rotation going forward, but can make an impact in the near future.
Waldichuk could be just that. He has the type of upside that the A’s need in their rotation, as evidenced by his performance in the minors. He had posted a 2.84 ERA and a 1.158 WHiP in his 95 innings across three stops, including his two different Triple-A stops. Waldichuk struck out 137 batters with just 36 walks, allowing just 70 hits.
There is no question that he deserves his chance. Frankly, it was a matter of when, not if, that would happen this year provided he remained healthy. As Adrian Martinez had been brought back to the majors already, it was somewhat of a surprise that Waldichuk had not gotten his chance yet.
This time frame will also serve as an audition for 2023. Ideally, Waldichuk would be able to pitch well over the final few weeks and use that as a springboard towards next year, potentially giving the A’s a solid trio as he joins Paul Blackburn and Cole Irvin. That journey will start on Thursday.
The time is now for Ken Waldichuk. The Oakland A’s top pitching prospect is coming to the majors and will make his debut on Thursday.