When you head to Fangraphs.com and search for the league’s highest performing relievers you see Josh Hader’s name atop the list. Not hard to fathom He’s really good. The name underneath the fireballing lefty is none other than Oakland A’s pitcher JB Wendelken. Certainly a surprise to most outside of A’s fans.
Following the weekend series against Houston in which Wendelken threw 4.1 innings, allowing 1 earned run with 7 Ks. In total Wendelken has thrown 10.1 innings, allowing just 2 earned runs and striking out 13 batters against zero walks.
Just prior to 2018’s AL Wild Card game I examined Wendelken’s sudden rise to prominence.