Elephant Rumblings: Stripling, Blackburn set for returns

MLB news roundup

Happy Thursday Athletics Nation!

We got word yesterday that right-handed veteran Ross Stripling was set to be activated off the IL to make today’s start against the Los Angeles Angels:

That should add a boost to the starting pitching. Stripling was added over the offseason on a rare trade with the San Francisco Giants. The idea was that Stripling could be a veteran presence for a depth chart full of youngsters, and maybe even pitch well enough to become a trade piece at the deadline. That hasn’t worked out as well as hoped to this point as Stripling has a 5.82 ERA in 11 starts.

He was at least soaking up innings before going down with a flexor strain in his elbow. Those type of injuries can turn serious quick but Stripling dodged the worst outcome and will return after missing two months. How long that return to the rotation lasts is to be determined though. He needs to improve his performance and if he doesn’t the bullpen awaits, or perhaps even a DFA since he’s a free agent at season’s end.

That’s not the only bit of good injury news either. Righty Paul Blackburn is also reportedly set to return to the starting rotation any day now, further deepening the rotation. Once a former All-Star, Blackburn has battled injuries but has generally been effective when healthy. He won’t reach the heights of his All-Star season but he seems to have settled into a solid mid-rotation arm. That has immense value to a team like the Athletics, who have been relying on multiple rookie starting pitchers this year.

With their return to the starting rotation means others get bumped out. One rotation spot has been open since sophomore righty Luis Medina went down with a concerning elbow injury. The club made do with a spot start from rookie Osvaldo Bido but he won’t prevent Stripling from returning to the rotation. As for when Paul Blackburn returns, it might be a bit less straight forward. If we were going by pure performance rookie Joey Estes would be the one sent down to Triple-A. That said, lefty Hogan Harris, who has a 2.98 ERA for the Athletics here in ‘24, is at 83 ²⁄₃ innings already this year. Last season he pitched 120 frames, a career-high and something the club may consider. Either way, the club should be all the stronger with the return of Stripling and Blackburn.

A’s Coverage:

• JP Sears struggles as Athletics fall to Astros
• The Time To Demote Zack Gelof Is Now
• Draft prospect Nick Kurtz lands on top 100 prospect list
• As A’s time in Oakland ends, which players’ days with team might be numbered? ($)

MLB News & Interest:

• Alex Cora, Red Sox reach 3-year extension
• Kevin Keirmaier set to retire after 2024 season
• Yankees showing interest in Jonathan India
• Giants activate Robbie Ray from IL
• Dodgers sign Nick Ahmed
• Phillies interested in Lane Thomas, Kyle Finnegan
• Rockies tie franchise record in 20-7 win
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Very tough break for a young and promising arm in the system:

Players aren’t excited about playing on turf in the hot summer sun next year:

Continued:

Curious…