OAKLAND -- The A's starting pitching staff was dealt a major blow with the 50-game suspension of Bartolo Colon for testosterone usage. Colon has been a pillar of strength for the A's starting rotation. The unflappable veteran was one of Oakland's most consistent pitchers and provided leadership for a staff that has survived on the performance of rookies.
[RATTO: We're back, and more chemical than ever]
The A's main strength is their starting pitching. Their 3.50 ERA is second best in the American League. Fortunately for Oakland, they have a wealth of Major League quality starting pitchers to help absorb the loss.
"Bartolo is going to be missed, and obviously he is a great pitcher," Tommy Milone said. "We move on from now and keep throwing and keep hitting and do what we do best."
It's a difficult situation for the A's to overcome but their resilience is part of their charm. No one expected Oakland to be in contention this late in the season. The Tuesday return of Brett Anderson, who missed 14 months after season-ending "Tommy John" surgery in 2011, couldn't have come at a better time.
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"It's a tough blow either way, but the timing kind of worked out in a fluke way where I'm back and unfortunately he's gone," Anderson said. "It's kind of shocking you never expect to see something like that. I've never dealt with it before."
It was often remarked by A's manager Bob Melvin that Colon was enjoying himself more than ever this season in the twilight of his career. Colon has been in the Major Leagues since 1997. This season he reached double-digit wins for the first time since 2005. Colon was 4-2 with a 2.30 ERA in nine starts since returning from the disabled list on July 3. In 24 games this season he had a 3.43 ERA.
"It's unfortunate to lose him but on the whole I don't think it's crippling by any means," Brandon McCarthy said.
The way the team found out the news might have lent to the shock factor of the announcement. As the A's clubhouse opened a lot of players hadn't heard what happened. The media caught wind of the situation and started asking the players about it.
"You look up on the TV and see it there, it's kind of a shock when you see it that way," Grant Balfour said. "We addressed it in the clubhouse here and we've got to move forward."
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Colon was tied for the team lead with 10 wins. His performance on the mound was just one of his contributing factors. His colorful personality also helped set the tone in a clubhouse that thrives on chemistry. They A's will miss him but they aren't angry at him.
"I love Bartolo, he is a great guy, he is a great teammate first and foremost," Brandon Inge said. "He'll be missed."
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