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Oakland Athletics 2016 Preview: Jesse Hahn Looking To Rebound After Injury In 2015

By Samantha Riley

Jun 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Jesse Hahn (32) prepares to deliver a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels in the second inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Jesse Hahn (32) prepares to deliver a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels in the second inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oakland Athletics’ starter Jesse Hahn incurred an elbow injury last year and sat out the second half of the 2015 season

Throughout the beginning part of spring, it was questionable as to whether or not that Oakland Athletics’ presumed No. 3 starter Jesse Hahn would be healthy enough to pitch by Opening Day. However, as the start of the regular season draws nearer, it seems as though everyone’s confidence in Hahn’s health is growing.

Hahn was acquired during the 2014-2015 offseason when the Oakland Athletics made a trade with the San Diego Padres. He started the 2015 season as the A’s No. 3 starter behind Sonny Gray and Scott Kazmir. Even though he only had three months of starting experience in the big leagues under his belt, Hahn held his own in the Athletics’ rotation.

During the 2015 season, Hahn maintained a 3.35 ERA and had a 6-6 record. However, he really only had one bad month – May — where his ERA was over 3.00. Even though he pitched well, he landed on the disabled list in early July with an flexor tendon injury in his elbow. Because of his injury prone history in the minor leagues and having already undergone Tommy John surgery back in 2010, the A’s did not want to risk any further damage to Hahn’s elbow, so he stayed on the bench for the rest of the 2015 season.

Now that Hahn is back and presumably healthy, he is ready to make a comeback this upcoming season. His velocity is back at its full strength, topping out at 96 MPH, and his go-to nasty curveball is looking sharp. Additionally, and most importantly, there has been no pain in his elbow.

This spring, he has thrown a total of nine innings, resulting in a 6.00 ERA. He has given up six earned run, but has struck out seven. His high ERA should not be a cause for concern because he has only made three shortened starts this March.

However, this upcoming season, coaches will be keeping a close eye on Hahn and that elbow. MLBTradeRumors.com put Hahn third on their list of MLB players most likely to have to undergo Tommy John surgery (TJS) this year. If this prediction comes to fruition, this will be Hahn’s second TJS and there is no predicating as to how he will rebound from a second surgery of this kind.

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If Hahn is able to stay off of the DL, he will be a solid No. 3 starter for the Oakland Athletics and hopefully improve upon his numbers from last year. Additionally, if Rich Hill continues to struggle with his command during the regular season, there is a possibility that Hahn could move up into the No. 2 spot if he is pitching well. Overall, expect Hahn to stay somewhere within the middle of the rotation for 2016.

Bold Prediction: Jesse Hahn will avoid the disabled list this year and end the year with a winning record.