The Athletics’ rotation has gone from promising to patchwork in a hurry, and that’s exactly why Jameson Taillon suddenly makes sense as a target.
The A’s opened the year with a staff that looked at least somewhat competitive, but the group has unraveled. Luis Severino, their ace and Opening Day starter, has been out nearly two months with a shoulder injury, though he has started a throwing progression and could be headed toward a rehab assignment soon.
Jeffrey Springs has not delivered the kind of season the club needed. Aaron Civale was shipped to the Chicago Cubs after a rough stretch.
Jacob Lopez and Luis Morales both began the year in the Opening Day rotation, only to struggle badly and wind up in Triple-A before returning to the majors for now. JT Ginn had been trending like an ace before landing on the injured list, though he threw a bullpen on Monday and is hoping to come back soon.
That backdrop is why the A’s need another arm, and why Taillon is now on the radar after being designated for assignment on Monday.
Chicago moved on after Taillon posted a 5.92 ERA in 76 innings this season. The veteran right-hander had been expected to help soak up innings for the Cubs during a long stretch in their schedule, but the results simply weren’t there.
Still, there’s a reason he could draw interest. Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson called Taillon one of his “Mount Rushmore” of teammates, and that reputation as a good teammate and person, paired with his track record before this season, gives him some appeal as a change-of-scenery candidate.
The money complicates things, but not enough to shut the door. Taillon is in the final year of his deal and is due $18 million this season, so he would likely clear waivers and leave the Cubs responsible for the rest of the contract. If he then chose free agency, he could sign for the league minimum with any team he wanted.
That’s where the A’s come in. They need experienced starters and someone who can help steady the group, and Taillon could slide right into the rotation. He also would give the club a veteran presence for its younger pitchers while trying to rebuild his own value before reaching the open market this offseason.
He probably isn’t the move that turns the A’s back into a playoff threat, but he could help settle the rotation down. Right now, that alone would matter.
In Other News...
As Waste Another Jack Perkins Gem In Brutal Late Collapse
Jack Perkins gave the Athletics exactly the kind of start they needed in the series opener in Sacramento, carving through the Red Sox lineup and carrying a no-hitter deep into the game before Boston finally broke through in the sixth. Even after that, Oakland still had a chance to turn a sharp outing into a win, because Perkins limited the damage and kept the game within reach while the offense tried to scratch out enough support.
Jonah Heim provided a jolt with a solo home run, but the As could not fully cash in on the momentum and the night slipped away in the late innings. The result was another frustrating reminder that a strong start on the mound has not always been enough for Oakland, especially when the bullpen has to protect a slim lead and the lineup is left trying to make up the difference late. [Read more 🡒]
Braves Could Force A Painful Decision On The Athletics Soon
The Athletics have already been hit by injuries and uneven production, and Shea Langeliers season-ending setback only adds to the uncertainty around how far this group can realistically push. Even before that blow, the roster had been under enough strain that the front office has had to think about more than just the standings, with the trade deadline looming and the kind of decisions that can shape both the present and the future.
Atlantas need for help in the corner outfield only sharpens the pressure on Oakland, because the Braves are looking for a bat and the As happen to have a couple of long-term pieces who could draw real interest. Tyler Soderstrom and Lawrence Butler both fit the profile of players contenders ask about, which is why this could become a difficult balancing act for Oakland if the market starts to heat up before the deadline. [Read more 🡒]
As Prospect Ryan Lasko Shares Encouraging Update After Scary Injury
Less than a month after a frightening collision sent Ryan Lasko to surgery, the Athletics prospect has offered a reassuring sign that his recovery is moving in the right direction. The Double-A outfielder shared a health update this week, and while the road ahead is still long, the fact that he is reporting progress in sensation and movement is meaningful news for a player whose injury immediately shifted attention far beyond the box score.
Lasko is recovering at a rehabilitation facility near his family, where he continues the slow work of rebuilding after the kind of setback that can change a career in an instant. The support around him has been visible throughout the organization, from teammates to the major-league club, and his update gives the As a reason to keep rooting for a comeback that still has plenty of steps left before anyone can think about baseball again. [Read more 🡒]