Reports: Former A’s Sensational Reliever Makes MLB Debut With a Classy Performance.

Former Oakland A’s prospect Jeff Criswell made his MLB debut with the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday night against the Washington Nationals in Washington, D.C. The right-handed pitcher threw one inning of relief, allowing one hit and throwing 11 of his 14 pitches for strikes.

Criswell was drafted by the A’s in the second round, 58th overall, during the 2020 MLB Draft from the University of Michigan. Throughout the first three years of his professional career, the 25-year-old primarily served as a starting pitcher, making 52 of his 58 appearances in that role. However, in 2024, the Rockies moved him to the bullpen after he posted a 7.51 ERA and a 1.74 WHIP over 121 innings in Triple-A Albuquerque.

This season, while pitching out of the bullpen, he has seen some improvement, recording a 6.24 ERA and a 1.79 WHIP. His strikeout rate has increased to 30%, and his walk rate has decreased to 10.1%. He also has a BABIP of .404, indicating some bad luck on balls in play, which is supported by his FIP of 5.66.

For many teams, a high BABIP combined with an improved FIP in a hitter-friendly league like the Pacific Coast League usually suggests potential for positive regression once reaching the majors. However, Criswell’s home park, Coors Field, presents its own challenges.

The A’s traded Criswell before the 2023 season in exchange for right-hander Chad Smith, who pitched 13 2/3 innings for Oakland with a 6.59 ERA last season. Smith was released by the A’s after the season and subsequently signed by the New York Mets in December. He was let go by New York at the end of March and has yet to find another team.