The Oakland Athletics have traded pitcher Shintaro Fujinami to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for Triple-A Prospect Easton Lucas. The Athletics have posted a 27–71 record (.276%) this season, and are entirely selling at the deadline. The Orioles’ record is 58–37 (.611), and they are sitting first in the AL East after the All-Star break since 2016. With a core of Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Cedric Mullins, the Orioles look to build for a postseason run. Meanwhile, the Athletics are in a downward spiral, and sit with the worst winning percentage in the league.
Shintaro Fujinami
Shintaro Fujinami is currently in his rookie season and is 29 years old. The Japanese native has struggled this season, posting a -2.0 WAR and 8.57 ERA. Fujinami has a 5–8 record. This strategic switch from starting pitcher to reliever has helped Fujinami recover into a formidable pitcher. Shintaro Fujianmi’s last start was June 24 against the Toronto Blue Jays, where he only pitched 2/3 of an inning. He posted two earned runs, and received the loss.
Since June 24, Fujinami’s nine appearances have significantly improved his stock. Fujinami has pitched 11 innings in nine games. He has surrendered seven hits, two earned runs, and one home run. Not only has Fujinami posted a 1.64 ERA, .184 BA, and .205 OBP, Fujinami has thrown 68% strikes in his stretch. This is an 11% increase from the first 26 games of the season. According to Sport Relay’s Reliever Roundup and Bullpen Bonanza, the Athletics’ bullpen is ranked third in the league.
Easton Lucas
The Miami Marlins drafted Easton Lucas in the 14th round of the 2019 June Amateur Draft. In Easton Lucas’ nine games at Triple-A, he has recorded a 4.26 ERA in 12 2/3 innings pitched. In his 12 2/3 innings, Lucas has given up ten hits, six earned runs, four home runs, seven walks, and has a WHIP of 1.342.
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