The Athletics have designated righty A.J. Griffin for assignment, the club announced. His 40-man spot will go to just-signed lefty Rich Hill, whose deal is now official.
The 27-year-old Griffin hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2013, when he threw an even 200 innings and worked to a 3.83 ERA with 7.7 K/9 against 2.4 BB/9. He’s been hit hard by arm injuries since, though he tells Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle (Twitter link) that he is no longer experiencing the shoulder tightness that plagued him after his Tommy John surgery.
There will certainly be clubs with interest in taking a shot at Griffin, though it remains to be seen whether any will be willing to give him a 40-man spot (and/or send anything Oakland’s way for his rights). Griffin was able to return to make four rehab starts last year, so teams have had a chance to see him throw recently.
Griffin would be a good gamble for the Dodgers to take on. Kinda like Brett Anderson was last year.
More like Brandon Beachy than Anderson but still a valid point.
Griffin in comparison to Anderson.
Hhhmmmm.
I’ll pass
This seems like the perfect type of guy for the Padres to take a shot at. He was above average inning eater before the TJ surgery.
Hometown kid. 1. Ross 2. Shields 3. Cashner 4. Kazmir 5. Rea/Erlin/Griffin
Could be a great buy low pickup for the Pirates, though his career groundball rate is pretty low.
Poor guy. He was gonna be a good starter for the upcoming years for the A’s but they gave up in him via injury
I want the Nats to do it, just because I think he’s good and will come cheap , can start until giolito comes up, leaving them without much commitment and giving an option when stras feels a tweak or if Ross stumbles.