Oakland Athletics: Four Key Relievers Who Should Return In 2016
Sep 7, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Sean Doolittle (62) pitches the ball against the Houston Astros during the ninth inning at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Athletics deleted the Houston Astros 10-9. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Four Relievers Who Should Return in 2016 for the Oakland Athletics
It’s probably impossible to use the phrase “the bullpen has been terrible” more often than A’s fans have in 2015. With all of the relievers seeming to have a collectively bad season, it almost seems like a fresh start would be a blessing for the bullpen. However, there are four pitchers who have earned the opportunity to return (or at least haven’t managed to disqualify themselves from it.)
By posting solid numbers, either throughout the season or in the short-term, they’ve proven they should be a key part of the 2016 relief crew. While there are certainly others who deserve the chance to show their value in Spring Training, only these four should be considered locks for next season:
The Closer: Sean Doolittle
It’s been quite a long year for Doolittle, given that he missed most of the season with a shoulder injury and only recently returned from the disabled list. In seven appearances this season, he’s thrown 6.2 innings and given up three runs on four hits and three walks.
Those numbers on their own are not impressive, but they also don’t matter whatsoever. Doolittle hasn’t pitched in major-league game action since his season debut on May 27, when he threw exactly one inning before being placed on the disabled list for the second time this year. He’s certainly not going to be up to his usual standards with that little playing time.
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However, what those numbers don’t show is that all three of Doolittle’s runs came in his first two games he appeared in after his August return. Since then, he’s made four one-inning appearances and given up just one hit, without walking anyone. Doolittle is back, and assuming he’s healthy coming out of Spring Training next season, the Oakland Athletics won’t need to even consider signing a closer.
In looking at the Athletics’ numerous blown saves and one-run losses this season, it’s not hard to imagine that the season could have been a lot different with Doolittle on the mound in the ninth inning. Luckily, he should be around next season to pick up where he left off in 2014. If there’s one pitcher in the entire bullpen who should absolutely stay with the team at any reasonable cost, it’s Doolittle.
Next: The Former Starter