The Oakland Athletics are mired in a nine game losing streak, and the team looked anemic in game one against the Kansas City Royals. However good news is on the horizon as starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy comes off of the disabled list in time to make the start for the A’s in today’s second game of the series at Kauffman.
McCarthy was having a strong season for Oakland in 2012 with a 3-3 record and a 2.95 ERA. However, it’s not an anomaly that McCarthy hit the DL this year, since the well-traveled starter has always had injury concerns year to year. Besides Jarrod Parker, McCarthy is the A’s best starter this season so his arrival comes at a good time.
McCarthy went on the DL in mid-May with a right shoulder strain. It’s the sort of lingering injury that would continue to plague him, hence the reason he took the time off. However, the A’s clearly need someone to step up and silence the opponent’s line-up. The Royals counter with Luke Hochevar, who hasn’t exactly kept opponents from hitting either. It should be interesting to see how McCarthy responds to rest and how Hochevar maintains KC’s positive momentum.
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