Andrew Triggs: The Bargain Bin Gem The A’s Desperately Need

Before the 2016 season, the Oakland Athletics claimed Andrew Triggs off waivers. Now, in 2017, Triggs has broken out, representing yet another bargain bin find for Beane and Company.

In 2016, Andrew Triggs maintained a rather pedestrian 4.31 ERA, a 1.23 WHIP and a 23 percent strikeout rate in 56.1 innings in the majors. That same season, Triggs, pitching out of the bullpen, struggled to the tune of a 5.76 ERA in 17 appearances.

Interestingly enough, in just seven spot-starts for the A’s, Triggs walked one, struck out 23 and put together a shiny, 2.70 ERA. Even though it may be easy to credit his newfound dominance to simply just starting, it is important to note that, Triggs — like many pitchers in the A’s system — developed a cutter.

Scouting Report (Pitch Repertoire):

"“…sinker has heavy sinking action, generates a high number of swings & misses compared to other pitchers’ sinkers, generates a very high amount of ground balls compared to other pitchers’ sinkers, has slight armside run and has slightly below average velo…cutter comes in below hitting speed, has heavy sink, is a real worm killer that generates an extreme number of ground balls compared to other pitchers’ cutters, generates a high number of swings & misses compared to other pitchers’ cutters and has strong cutting action…slider comes in below hitting speed, sweeps across the zone, has exceptional depth and results in somewhat more flyballs compared to other pitchers’ sliders.”(Retrieved 5/15/2017, from: Brooksbaseball )"

Analysis:

To break down Triggs’ secret to success, it’s imperative to explain just how unique of a pitcher he is. Triggs stands at a strong, formidable 6’4″ and weights in at 220. Moreover, Triggs, throws from a low, sidearm slot, giving him a cartoon-esque release point. Regardless, Triggs’ pitch depth and movement is outstanding.

Next: Jharel Cotton Has The Game's Best Changeup

While Triggs is, and has always been, flat-out filthy, he really began to dominate thanks to the cutter revolution. Triggs became yet another A’s pitcher who developed a cutter, and suddenly, had everything start to click for him. (Kendall Graveman and Jharel Cotton are other examples)

Pitch Usage %:

Immediately, the disparity between usages in 2014, (85% sinkers) is concerning. Then, in 2016, the viability of a third pitch (the magic cutter) coincided with his breakout, allowing him to fare much better facing the opposing batting order multiple times.

The cutter, as stated in the scouting report:

"“generates an extreme number of groundballs compared to other pitchers’ cutters, generates a high number of swings & misses compared to other pitchers’ cutters”"

For a pitcher, the only thing better than a ground ball is a strikeout. Frankly, Triggs’ cutter helps him do both. Furthermore, his ability to induce ground balls never actually disappeared. His sinker still, and always has, produced a high percentage of ground balls:

Groundballs per-bip% (balls in play)

Yet, the implementation of a cutter, only helped him induce even more ground balls than before.

For an A’s rotation that has missed starts from Sonny Gray, Kendall Graveman and Sean Manaea due to injury, the steady presence of Triggs has been vital. As long as Triggs continues to limit walks and show exquisite command, he shows great potential for sustained excellence.

Overall, it does not take a professional scout to analyze Triggs’ stats in 2017. Additionally, it is not difficult for one to come to the conclusion that he might be breaking out:

2017 Stats:

The stat that stands out the most is the WHIP. WHIP is walks + hits per innings pitched and to gain an understanding of Triggs’ success, it is a great metric.

Andrew Triggs has always had filthy stuff. The key was harnessing it and commanding it, limiting walks and hits.

Conclusion:

With a WHIP around one and more strikeouts than innings pitched, it is not surprising at all to see Triggs with five wins and an ERA under three. Out of all the A’s starters so far in 2017, Andrew Triggs is leading in ERA, wins and WHIP.

Additionally, Triggs looks to be pitching with more confidence, throwing more strikes, going deeper into games and finding even more success – all of which can only help the A’s in the long run.