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A’s pitcher A.J. Griffin left off ALDS roster with elbow injury

By Brad Rowland

Sep 24, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starter A.J. Griffin (64) delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starter A.J. Griffin (64) delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 24, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starter A.J. Griffin (64) delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starter A.J. Griffin (64) delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

When the Oakland A’s take on the Detroit Tigers in the ALDS this week, they will be short-handed in the rotation after leaving one of their best starting pitchers off the roster.

This news comes as a bit of a surprise, as Griffin was tremendous (3.19 ERA) in September as Oakland pushed toward their second consecutive AL West title. However, it was clear that something was amiss after manager Bob Melvin unveiled a rotation that didn’t include Griffin, and this is the clear explanation that many were searching for.

This is a tremendous blow to Oakland as they face the high-powered Tigers, as Griffin was arguably the team’s best pitcher this season. Jarrod Parker is considered (by many) to be the “ace” for Oakland and Bartolo Colon gets the Game 1 honors, but Griffin is a steadying force that Oakland could need down the line.

Melvin’s assertion that Griffin won’t be on the ALDS roster doesn’t exclude him from future consideration, but this could be the end of the 2013 line for the 25-year-old pitcher.

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