Elephant Rumblings: James Kaprielian finishes strong

Oct 3, 2022 - 2:00 PM

Oakland Athletics at Los Angeles Angels" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2dmdKxPAx8ao8fxy86CJgRXh-v0=/0x269:5150x3166/1920x1080/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71447169/usa_today_19129495.0.jpg" />

Happy Monday, Athletics Nation!

A’s starter James Kaprielian has had his share of ups and downs this season, but he finished strong after a particularly rough August, with an ERA of 1.80 in his final four starts.

Kaprielian was struggling as summer gave way to fall; he had an especially tough start against the Yankees on August 25 in which he allowed eight runs and six walks in just 2⅔ innings.

But Kap began turning things around in September after returning from an IL stint that resulted from a paper cut on his right middle finger. He posted a quality start against a quality Houston Astros lineup on September 15, and he pitched a pair of gems against the playoff-bound Mariners: one yesterday in Seattle, and another in Oakland on September 21. Kaprielian pitched 13 scoreless innings and struck out 13 Mariners in those games.

Kaprielian pitched five no-hit innings yesterday en route to prevailing in a matchup against the Mariners’ 2021 Cy Young Award winner Robbie Ray. The A’s noted that their 28-year-old righty has been tough on the M’s of late:

Kaprielian was slightly worse in 2022 than 2021 by several metrics: his ERA increased from 4.07 to 4.23, his K/9 decreased substantially from 9.28 to 6.40, and his BB/9 went up from 3.09 to 3.94. But hopefully this strong finish to 2022, combined with the right preparation and adjustments this offseason, will have Kaprielian primed for a breakout in 2023.

A’s Coverage:

• Nico: MLB Tie-Breakers Need Some Refining In The “3 Wild Card” Era
• Booth: A’s power outburst puts dent in Mariners’ homefield playoff hopes ($)
• Gallegos: A’s rookie trio flexes potential with authority
• Castillo: Langeliers’ improved confidence pays off with two-homer game
• Gallegos: Sears seals rookie season on a high note
• Gallegos: Young A’s inspired by playoff atmosphere: ‘That’s where I want to be’

MLB News & Interest:

• McDonald: Report: Tony La Russa Expected To Announce Retirement On Monday
• The Athletic: Shohei Ohtani, Angels agree to 1-year, $30 million deal ($)
• Kramer: ‘We’re here’: Mariners clinch first postseason spot since 2001
• Deeds: Mariners Promote Justin Hollander To General Manager
• Polishuk: Mariners Aiming To Activate Julio Rodriguez On Monday
• Franco: Latest On James Click, Dusty Baker
• Polishuk: NL East Notes: Alcantara, Marte, Strider
• Polishuk: Orioles Planning To Sign New Lease To Remain In Baltimore
• McDonald: Central Notes: Cabrera, Hicks, Alzolay
• Today in Baseball History

Best of Twitter:

Wishing the best to A’s coach Darren Bush, whose home community was ravaged by the hurricane.

Murph took a sick day yesterday.

Feast or famine.

Worthy of any highlight reel.

If great defense brings confidence at the plate, Nick’s future is bright.

Double dingers for Langeliers.

A first for Jordan Diaz.