Justin Sterner Quietly Shining in Breakout Season with A’s
Oakland reliever continues to build trust in high-leverage spots during his second MLB season
Justin Sterner is quietly putting together an impressive season for the Oakland Athletics, steadily becoming a reliable bullpen weapon in his sophomore year in the majors.
The right-hander delivered another clutch performance on Labor Day, shutting down the St. Louis Cardinals in a key moment. Entering the game in the sixth inning with runners on second and third and two outs, Sterner got Thomas Saggese to pop out, preserving a 5–2 lead and stranding his 19th of 26 inherited runners this season.
Sterner came back out for the seventh and worked a scoreless inning, navigating around a hit-by-pitch and a single before retiring Iván Herrera to escape trouble. His ability to handle high-pressure situations has earned him increased trust from manager Mark Kotsay, who continues to turn to Sterner in tight spots.
Now one of the A’s most dependable bullpen arms, Sterner has appeared in 50 games this season, posting a 3–3 record with a 3.64 ERA. Over 54 ⅓ innings, he’s struck out 55 batters and walked only 18.
But Sterner’s path hasn’t been without bumps. After a stellar Spring Training and an early-season scoreless streak that stretched 18 ⅔ innings, things unraveled in May. Between May 10 and June 4, he allowed 13 runs in just 8 ⅔ innings, raising his ERA to 13.50 during that span. The A’s responded by optioning him to Triple-A Las Vegas.
Sterner returned to Oakland at the end of June and has looked much more consistent since. Over his last 27 innings, he owns a solid 3.00 ERA.
August was especially strong: Sterner made 11 appearances, allowing runs in only three of them while posting a 1.98 ERA. He struck out 17 batters and walked just one over 13 ⅔ innings, giving up just seven hits and recording a sparkling 0.59 WHIP. The only blemishes were a pair of solo home runs.
Before this season, Sterner had appeared in just two MLB games with the Tampa Bay Rays. He made Oakland’s Opening Day roster, but nothing was handed to him. He’s earned every opportunity—and reclaimed his spot—through performance.
As the A’s continue to rebuild, Justin Sterner is emerging as one of their most promising bullpen pieces, showing he can be counted on in critical moments.
No Comment! Be the first one.