The Oakland Athletics have made a tradition out of playing in the American League Wild Card Game.
Since the single-elimination Wild Card format began in 2012, the Athletics have played in the game three times.
The New York Yankees are the only other team that has made three appearances.
Right now, Oakland is flirting with the possibility of landing in the game for the third time in as many seasons.
If that ends up being the case, who should be the Athletics’ starting pitcher with the season on the line?
Let’s run through the candidates.
Chris Bassitt
Chris Bassitt has the best ERA out of any pitcher in Oakland’s rotation at 3.19.
He also has a 3.40 FIP and 1.04 WHIP, both of which are equally impressive.
The righty has been a horse for the Athletics all season, as he leads the league in many usage statistics like innings (144), games started (23), batters faced (583), and wins (11).
Chris Bassitt should at least be part of the AL Cy Young conversation 🤔 pic.twitter.com/78595Dwz5m
— A's on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) August 12, 2021
Bassitt also has a little bit of postseason experience.
He appeared in two playoff games during the 2020 season, and he was sharp, pitching to a 3.27 ERA over 11 innings.
Cole Irvin
Cole Irvin is working on the best season of his pro career.
He has been arguably the biggest revelation for Oakland in 2021.
The 27-year-old has a 3.45 ERA, 3.58 FIP, and 1.16 WHIP over 22 starts.
He has allowed four runs or fewer in all but one of his outings.
In that sense, he is a relatively safe option to give the ball to in a potential Wild Card Game, because you know he’s not going to get lit up.
However, Irvin has no postseason experience.
That’s could be a concern for some of the decision-makers in the Athletics organization.
Sean Manaea
Sean Manaea has been a staple in the Oakland rotation for several years now, and his 2021 campaign has been one of his best.
He has a 3.43 ERA over 23 starts and has fanned 143 batters in 128.2 innings.
He has an outstanding FIP of 3.28 and a solid WHIP of 1.21.
Simply put, he has been great.
That said, one valid concern is Manaea’s postseason track record.
He has two playoff starts under his belt, and neither one went particularly well.
In the first outing, he allowed four earned over two innings.
In the second outing, he allowed four earned over four-and-a-third.
That’s not very encouraging.
Frankie Montas
Frankie Montas just got his ERA into the 3s after a strong start on Wednesday against the Cleveland Indians.
The 28-year-old is having a nice season, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by A’s fans.
He has a 3.98 ERA, 3.47 FIP, and 1.24 WHIP.
Montas is probably a long shot to get the ball in a potential Wild Card game, but if Oakland advances to the ALDS, he could compete for a spot in the rotation.
James Kaprielian
Would the Athletics consider giving the ball to a rookie in an elimination game?
If so, James Kaprielian would be the guy.
James Kaprielian has bounced back nicely in his first start back from injury. Two runs allowed through six innings with four strikeouts.
— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) August 8, 2021
He is having a stellar year, and he looks like he has the potential to be a future ace.
This season, the righty has a 3.22 ERA, 4.06 FIP, and 1.14 WHIP over 14 outings.
He had a 2.65 ERA up until a rough start on July 27.
Kaprielian would be a very solid option with the season on the line.
The Verdict
Every pitcher in the Oakland rotation has an ERA in the 3s, so there isn’t a wrong choice here.
However, one name rises above the rest: Bassitt.
He has been the team’s best starter this season, and he has the best postseason track record out of any arm in the rotation.
A lot could change between now and October, but Bassitt seems like the favorite at this very moment.
For an answer, we’ll have to wait and see how everything plays out.
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