Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The Oakland Athletics have had some good luck when it comes to young starting pitchers. Oakland’s ace Sonny Gray currently has the second-lowest ERA in MLB. 25-year-old Jesse Hahn is starting his first major league season third in the A’s rotation. Lastly, there is Kendall Graveman.
This rookie had a rough start to 2015 and was ultimately sent back down to Triple-A at the end of April. However, Graveman was able to refocus and was called back up to the majors in late May. Since his return, Graveman has been extremely impressive.
Graveman was drafted in 2013 and spent that season in Class-A ball. In 2014, even though he started the season in Class-A once again, Graveman quickly climbed up through the minor leagues until he reached Triple-A. On Sept. 1, 2014, Graveman was called up by the Toronto Blue Jays and made his MLB debut just four days later.
Graveman was then acquired by the Athletics in the Josh Donaldson trade this offseason. During spring training, he had a 0.36 ERA and allowed only one earned run in 25.1 innings pitched. With the talent and skill he demonstrated during the spring, Graveman easily earned a spot in the A’s starting rotation for 2015.
Since returning from his short stint in Triple-A, Graveman has been nothing but lights out. For May and June, he has a 2.54 ERA and two wins. In his latest start against the Boston Red Sox, Graveman was able to hold the Sox to just one run over seven innings. He has shown that he has improved his command as well as his ball placement. Additionally, Graveman’s confidence has grown immensely since the beginning of the season, which helps him persevere through long, tough innings and at-bats.
Even though Graveman is only 24 years old, he is ready to become a big-time starter in the major leagues. Graveman has undeniable talent and is mature for his age. He has also been able to adapt and learn from his mistakes quickly. If Graveman is able to progress and improve his skill at the major league level at the same rate he did in the minors, he will be a force to be reckoned with in the seasons to come.
