The big leagues aren’t always kind when teaching lessons to young players. Luckily, Las Vegas Aviators pitcher Mason Barnett has a great mentor in his corner.
Tim Hudson — a member of the Athletics Hall of Fame with 222 big league wins — was Barnett’s pitching coach at Auburn. The two old-school, hard-nosed pitchers keep in touch, with Hudson offering advice, kudos and encouragement.
“Having him at Auburn opened my mind to how pro ball would work,” Barnett said. “It definitely helped me prepare once I took that next step.”
Like Hudson, Barnett is a steely competitor with a Southern drawl and small-town Georgia roots. The A’s are hoping he can deliver like their former ace, too.
If Barnett — the Athletics’ No. 17 prospect per MLB Pipeline — keeps pitching the way he has been, it’s only a matter of time before he rejoins the A’s. This year, the righty is 2-0 with a 3.07 ERA and second on the team with 32 strikeouts in 29⅓ innings.
In Thursday’s 7-6 win over the visiting St. Paul Saints, he didn’t have his best stuff, but delivered arguably his best performance of the year: six strikeouts over six shutout innings. Aviators manager Fran Riordan was impressed with how he battled that night. Of the eight three-ball counts he worked himself into, only one turned into a walk.
“That shows me a lot of grit,” Riordan said. “It shows … just the ability to never give in. That was a really important step for Mason.”
Barnett has been called up by the A’s twice, receiving teachable moments each time.
Lesson one: Level up your pitches
Barnett ended last season as an Athletic, but struggled, going 1-1 with a 6.85 ERA in five starts. Earlier in his pro career, he could fire 99 mph fastballs past hitters. In 22⅓ innings with the A’s last year, his four-seamer averaged 94.3 mph.
It’s early, but there are signs that Barnett’s velocity may be on the upswing. In a relief stint for the Athletics last month, he averaged 94.9 mph and topped out at 96.2. On Thursday, Barnett hit a high of 96.3 mph, and five of his six strikeouts came on the fastball.
He credited improved mechanics and prioritizing recovery this offseason with helping him regain zip and confidence in his heater. Barnett has also made his sweeper a bat-missing weapon. Entering Thursday’s start, he had a 38 percent whiff rate with that breaking ball.
“He’s always out there competing, throwing strikes, coming after people,” catcher Brian Serven said. “He continues to get better.”
Lesson two: stay ready
Starting pitchers are all about routine. But at the minor league level, they know that the big league call can come at any time.
When the A’s needed a fresh arm to help a beleaguered bullpen against the Chicago White Sox, they called Barnett up on April 18. He showed what he’s capable of, tossing two shutout innings and striking out the first batter he faced (Derek Hill).
Though he was sent back down to Las Vegas two days later, Barnett took Hudson’s advice about readiness and competitiveness to heart. He feels that his latest big league appearance showed him that he can succeed at the next level — whenever that call comes.
“I know I can compete up there,” Barnett said. “I’m just waiting for that next opportunity to go back up and stay up there.”
Up next
Who: Aviators vs. Reno Aces (Arizona Diamondbacks affiliate)
When: Tuesday – Sunday
Where: Greater Nevada Field, Reno
