May 6, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Mike Fiers (50) delivers a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays during the third inning at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Fiers was meant to be the fallback option for the Oakland A’s. A dependable innings eater throughout his career, he was supposed to serve as a long reliever, slotting into the rotation should an injury arise. As the A’s rotation is not exactly filled with paragons of health, Fiers was expected to have a key role on the pitching staff.