Luis Medina DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Oakland Athletics right-hander Luis Medina (elbow) is seeking a second opinion on his sprained right elbow that has damage to the UCL to determine whether he needs surgery. Medina has been sidelined since July 13 with the injury and could miss the rest of the 2024 campaign, even if he manages to avoid going under the knife. If the 25-year-old does require surgery, he'll not only miss the rest of this season but also most, if not all, of 2025. The Dominican hurler hasn't been an asset in mixed fantasy leagues in his second year in the majors, going 2-4 with a 5.18 ERA and 1.57 WHIP with 32 strikeouts and 20 walks in 40 innings pitched over just eight starts. In his 31 appearances (25 starts) since debuting in 2023, Medina has struggled to a 5.35 ERA and 1.53 WHIP with a below-average 20.4% strikeout rate and elevated 11.4% walk rate.

Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Luis Medina (elbow) was recently placed on the 15-day injured list. This move came two days after Medina allowed six runs in an ugly outing against the Boston Red Sox. Manager Mark Kotsay said he expects Medina to miss significant time. This season, Medina holds a 5.18 ERA over eight starts, so he could use some time to rest and recover. In the meantime, Ross Stripling and Osvaldo Bido are both options to replace him in the starting rotation.

Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Luis Medina (elbow) was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right elbow strain. In a corresponding move, the Athletics promoted right-handed pitcher Michael Otanez from Triple-A Las Vegas. Medina struggled in his previous start, where he allowed seven hits and six earned runs across five innings on July 11 against the Boston Red Sox. He struck out seven. Across 40 innings this season, Medina sits with a poor 5.18 ERA and 1.58 WHIP. This injury is expected to keep Medina sidelined until at least the end of July. Otanez will likely be in a bullpen role when he rejoins the major leagues, as he operated out of the pen in the minor leagues this season but might serve as an opener on some occasions with an open spot in the starting rotation.

Oakland Athletics right-hander Luis Medina (knee) gave up two runs and struck out six in 3 2/3 innings in his third minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday, throwing 44 of his 72 pitches for strikes. Medina's fastball averaged 97 mph and topped out at 100.2 mph. He rejoined the big-league club on Thursday and made it through a bullpen session prior to the series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Medina could now be activated from the injured list during this weekend's series against the Braves in Atlanta. The hard-throwing 25-year-old appears to have recovered from his Grade 2 MCL sprain, but it remains to be seen if the A's will use him as a starter or reliever when he's back. Medina has intriguing pure stuff, but his lack of control is pretty concerning.

Oakland Athletics right-hander Luis Medina (knee) gave up two earned runs on four hits while walking two, hitting two batters and striking out six in 3 2/3 innings in his third minor-league rehab start on Tuesday with Triple-A Las Vegas. Medina made his first start in the Arizona Complex League on May 15 and gave up six runs over two innings while striking out three. He followed that up by throwing 2 1/3 innings (42 pitches) for Vegas on May 22, allowing five runs on four hits with one walk and a strikeout. The 25-year-old made some notable improvements in his third rehab start but will probably require a few more starts in the minors before the A's consider moving him to their big-league roster. When healthy, Medina's nasty fastball-slider combination can make him a worthwhile deep-league streamer.