Elephant Rumblings: Ken Waldichuk hopeful second half adjustments lead to future success

It has been a long and winding season for Oakland Athletics left-hander Ken Waldichuk, but the young lefty made enough progress in the second half to hopefully have some momentum heading into next season. Waldichuk began the 2023 season in the rotation, but struggled enough that he ended up in the bullpen. Waldichuk posted a 6.63 ERA during the first half and was carrying an ERA of over 10 over the first two months of the season. It has been a different story in the second half where Waldichuk has a 4.04 ERA and 4.44 FIP over 69 innings.

Overall it has been a terrible season on the field and off for the Athletics, but if there is a positive, it has been the progress that some of the young roster has made over the season’s final months. Waldichuk pitched better in the second half. Luis Medina ended his season on a good note with a strong final outing. JP Sears has been pretty consistent all season. There has been some disappointments to, but there could be some intriguing options for the rotation heading into next season.

A’s Coverage

• A’s fall to Angels in final series opener

MLB News

• Giants fire Gabe Kapler after 4 seasons, 1 playoff trip
• Giants hopeful of new managerial hire by start of free agency
• Big Clinch Saturday? 5 teams can get in today
• Orioles in Baltimore to stay with new 30-year deal
• How the Baltimore Orioles rode their talent to the AL’s best record
• Rangers place Jon Gray on injured list
• Postseason eludes Padres despite late-season run
• Rockies extend outfielder Charlie Blackmon through 2024
• MLB Rule Changes: Takeaways on pitch clock, bigger bases, more
• Another 1st for Ohtani: Most popular MLB jersey in 2023
• Miguel Cabrera to joine Tigers’ front office as special assistant
• Let’s Get Small: Hundreds of minor leaguers have shrunk

Best of Twitter

Brent Rooker drives home an early run

Mark Kotsay on Rooker

Ken Waldichuk discusses his second half