The A’s positioned right-hander Daulton Jefferies on the injured listing earlier at present amid a sequence of roster strikes, additionally optioning lefty Kirby Snead and recalling righty Jake Lemoine and left-hander Zach Logue. The A’s initially said that Jefferies had some nerve irritation in his proper arm, however supervisor Mark Kotsay now offers reporters a way more ominous replace, revealing that the 26-year-old righty has been recognized with thoracic outlet syndrome (Twitter link by way of Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle). He’s receiving a second opinion.
Whereas not as widespread as Tommy John surgical procedure, thoracic outlet syndrome typically requires surgical restore — an operation that entails eradicating a portion of the participant’s rib with a purpose to alleviate nerve stress. The success fee for pitchers coming back from TOS hasn’t been as robust as these coming back from the extra widespread Tommy John surgical procedure, although there are many examples of hurlers who’ve returned to have profitable careers. Arizona’s Merrill Kelly, as an example, had thoracic outlet surgical procedure in September 2020 and was again on the mound for a slate of 27 begins in 2021. He’s made one other eight begins of three.27 ERA ball this season.
It’s but to be seen whether or not Jefferies will endure surgical procedure, which might possible finish his season. That’ll certainly hinge on what he and the A’s hear in his forthcoming second opinion. Even within the occasion of a non-surgical route, an absence of some word appears secure to count on.
Chosen by the A’s with the No. 37 total decide again in 2016, Jefferies entered the 12 months with simply 17 massive league innings below his belt. Nevertheless, the Athletics’ offseason fireplace sale shipped each Chris Bassitt and Sean Manaea to different golf equipment, opening the door for Jefferies to win a long-term spot on the beginning employees. Jefferies posted a 1.17 ERA by means of three begins however has been rocked for 23 runs over 24 innings in his previous 5 turns. Total, he carries a 5.72 ERA with a 16.3% strikeout fee, a 4.7% stroll fee and a 46.6% grounder fee. Metrics like fielding impartial pitching (3.76) and SIERA (4.15) really feel he’s been an excellent bit higher than his ERA would point out.
The A’s nonetheless management Jefferies for 5 seasons past the present marketing campaign, so even when he doesn’t issue into the combo once more this season, he ought to have ample alternative down the highway. In the meanwhile, with Jefferies sidelined, Oakland will look to Frankie Montas, James Kaprielian, Paul Blackburn and a returning Cole Irvin, who’s slated to come back off the injured listing and begin a sport this weekend. Logue, recalled at present, will most likely step immediately into the rotation. One in all 4 gamers acquired within the commerce that despatched Matt Chapman to Toronto, he’s already made 4 appearances (three begins) and pitched to a 2.04 ERA with an 18.9% strikeout fee in opposition to a 6.8% stroll fee in 17 2/3 frames.
Ought to the A’s want one other starter within the close to future, they’ve a pair of different newly acquired choices to judge. Proper-hander Adrian Martinez, acquired from the Padres within the Manaea commerce, made his massive league debut in a doubleheader in opposition to the Tigers final week and tossed 5 1/3 shutout innings with three strikeouts and no walks. Fellow right-hander and commerce acquisition Adam Oller, who came visiting from the Mets as a part of the return for Bassitt, might be an choice as nicely. He’s already made 4 massive league begins with the A’s, although he’s been tagged for 20 runs in 14 2/3 frames.
