A’s Update: Barton, Chavez & More!

Daric Barton has remained consistent through the first month and a half, and is currently hitting .296/.411/.435 with 2 homer runs and 14 RBIs. Barton, who was once considered a top-hitting prospect for Oakland a couple years ago, finally seems ready for a breakout type season. Barton helped the A’s win last night in Texas, and continues to improve at the plate. Barton currently has 23 walks in 33 games, and seems more disciplined at the plate this season. Barton’s performance at the plate certainly has been a surprise to many A’s fans, considering most fans wanted to see highly regarded prospect Chris Carter start this season for the A’s.

Eric Chavez launched his first home run since 2008 (only 42 games, however, in that span). His tw0-run home run helped the A’s in last night’s win against Texas, and was an encouraging sign from the slugger. Despite his season line of .250/.301/.359, Chavez is 5-for his last-10, and is currently batting .333/.370/.500 with 1 homer and 3 RBIs this month (24 at-bats). If Chavez can start hitting once again for the A’s, his playing time should remain intact. However, it is difficult to imagine that the A’s will be more than willing to stick with an everyday DH who has only one homer run through 96 at-bats. For right now, however, the A’s will give Chavy more time to shake off the rust.

Kurt Suzuki will likely be activated on Wednesday, and could play in the Texas series. Suzuki currently leads the A’s in homers (4) and is considered their best player on offense. Suzuki’s performance at the plate is not the only thing the A’s miss—Suzuki’s time behind the plate has been sorely missed as well. The A’s could also see Mark Ellis and Coco Crisp and Justin Duchscherer back in action very soon. Duchscherer could be activated for Saturday when the A’s are in Anaheim against the Angels. Brett Anderson could also start throwing off a mound within a week or so. Anderson is expected to be back within three to four weeks.

Right now, things are going the A’s way. They sit at 18-15, and will look to continue their winning ways against the Rangers tonight at 5:05 PT.