SEATTLE – The structure of the Athletics starting rotation could look a lot different over these final few weeks of the season.
The A’s optioned Jack Perkins, a steady member of their rotation since early June, to Triple-A Las Vegas before Friday’s game against the Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Meanwhile, J.T. Ginn's progress from what has been described as general fatigue/soreness has been stagnant for a few days now, to the point that the team is flying in an orthopedist to evaluate him on Saturday.
Perkins, who ranked among the A’s top 10 prospects by MLB Pipeline at the start of last season, has had difficulties pitching deep into games due to high pitch counts. Starting Thursday’s series opener in Seattle, the right-hander exited after three innings and 86 pitches, allowing three runs on four hits and five walks with seven strikeouts.
This season has been somewhat of an enigma for Perkins. He’s flashed the stuff that made him a touted prospect, and the A’s believe he fits into their long-term plans either as a starter or reliever. But his past three outings alone have been puzzling, as he’s posted a 3.46 ERA yet only logged 13 innings, with that lack of length largely due to 14 walks. Now, Perkins will look to correct those issues with Triple-A Las Vegas.
“We’d like to have given Perkins some more opportunity, because we do still believe he’s part of this team’s future,” manager Mark Kotsay said. “In order to get better and to grow, you have to go through some tough times. I know last night was not his best. The biggest thing that came out of last night was that he competed, which is a priority and what we ask for. We know it’s in there for him. We’ve seen it. … If we can get him in a better place to consistently throw quality strikes, there should be more in there for him. That’s what we’re going to try to accomplish.”
Ginn has emerged as the A’s top starter in what has been a breakout campaign. The 27-year-old right-hander holds a 3.71 ERA in 27 games (24 starts). His 138 1/3 innings pitched are also by far the most he’s ever thrown in a season as a professional, which may be causing his lingering soreness and could lead to him getting shut down for the rest of the season.
“We’ll make a determination [Saturday] as to his future,” Kotsay said. “You always want guys to finish the season, but we need to make the right decision for him going forward and his future, especially going into next year.”
With Perkins sent down and the likelihood of Ginn not pitching again, the A’s rotation dwindled down to three set members as of Friday night: Gage Jump, Jacob Lopez and Jeffrey Springs.
How do the A’s fill those two slots?
One potential rotation candidate is rookie Kade Morris, who took the mound for the A’s on Friday. Rated the A’s No. 13 prospect, Morris was roughed up in his first Major League start against the Astros on June 6, optioned to the Minors shortly after and had pitched out of the bullpen for the A’s in his four big league outings since returning to the big league club at the end of June.
“Great opportunity for Kade,” Kotsay said. “Young, talented pitcher who probably needs more seasoning in Triple-A. But with our current situation and where we’re at with arms, he’s here and he’s going to get a chance to go out tonight and pitch against a playoff-contending team and a dominant left-handed lineup, which, he’s had his struggles with.”
Former A’s rotation member Joey Estes was recalled from Triple-A on Friday to provide long relief, though Kotsay mentioned there is a possibility for him to make a start or two before the end of the season.
Another candidate currently at Triple-A is veteran Dallas Keuchel. The 38-year-old left-hander signed a Minor League deal with the A’s on July 25 and has made seven starts for Las Vegas, posting a 6.48 ERA with 20 strikeouts and 19 walks in 25 innings.