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There has not been much talk about the Oakland Athletics’ offseason starting pitcher acquisition Sean Nolin since he was placed on the disabled list during Spring Training this year. However, last week, Nolin was activated and optioned for Triple-A. This 25-year-old could be a good option for the A’s starting rotation.
Nolin came to the Oakland Athletics in the Josh Donaldson trade in 2014. Even though Nolin has only pitched 2.1 innings in MLB, he was expected to be ready for a major league starting pitcher role this season. Unfortunately, an offseason sports hernia surgery was healing too slowly and it landed him on the DL for the first month of the season.
During his minor league rehab assignments, Nolin pitched six scoreless innings. Additionally, in Triple-A in 2014, he had a 3.50 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 87.1 innings pitched. Nolin has great command over the ball and an aggressive fastball. He also has a quality slider, curveball and changeup. Even though Nolin’s talent will not land him in the top of the rotation, it is clear he has the stuff to be successful as No. 5 or maybe even a No. 3 guy in the starting rotation.
Manager Bob Melvin told the press that Nolin was a serious contender for the rotation before he was placed on the DL. Even though Nolin would only be a starting pitcher in the bottom half of the rotation, he could probably provide more consistency than Drew Pomeranz. Additionally, if Pomeranz’s injury is more serious than the Athletics let on, the A’s will definitely strongly consider calling up Nolin for Pomeranz’s next start.
Oakland has already exhausted most of their starting pitcher options this season so far. Until A.J. Griffin returns, Nolin is really the Athletics’ only option left unless they want to call Kendall Graveman back up.
The A’s should give Nolin a chance in the major leagues. Perhaps the rookie could bring a new spark to this struggling ball club.
Samantha Riley is an Oakland Athletics writer for www.RantSports.com. You can follow her on twitter @Riless22.
