SCOTTSDALE, AZ - MARCH 03: Cole Irvin #71of the Oakland Athletics pitches during a spring training game against the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Field on March 3, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images)
Cole Irvin was an afterthought heading into spring training. He had been acquired from the Phillies for cash considerations before the Oakland A’s started their offseason spending spree, his place on the roster hardly secure. At best, he was considered to be a depth option, not a realistic option for the major league roster.
But someone forgot to tell Irvin that.