Wild Card Play-In Game a Real Possibility for Oakland Athletics
By Jason Burke
Jul 27, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics catcher
John Jaso(5) follows through for a two-run double against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
With last night’s loss to the Houston Astros, the A’s fell to six games back of the division-leading LA Angels. While the difference isn’t insurmountable, it is becoming unlikely that the A’s will be able to close that gap before the season comes to an end.
All this means is that the Wild Card is becoming more and more likely with each passing day. Although making the Wild Card game is still all but assured with the way the A’s have been playing of late, let’s have some faith and assume they make it. In any sport, just making it to the postseason means that you have a shot to be playing for a Championship.
But the A’s are playing poorly, why can they still contend, even if they do make it? It’s simple: they’re getting healthy. It’s being reported that Sean Doolittle, John Jaso and Nick Punto are all nearing returns.
Doolittle expected to throw one or two regular bullpens before being activated, which could happen during the trip.
— Jane Lee (@JaneMLB) September 6, 2014
Nick Punto, who got a cortisone shot three days ago, will test out his hamstring on the field today, says he feels much better overall.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) September 6, 2014
John Jaso will find out in next day or two if he is cleared to rejoin #Athletics at least for pinch hitting. Catching still unlikely.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) September 6, 2014
The addition of Nick Punto means one thing: less Alberto Callaspo. A’s fans rejoice! Punto is hitting .247 against lefties this season, which is a problem the A’s bats have had of late. Callaspo is batting just .203 against opposing southpaws this season, down from his .293 average from 2011-2013. The A’s struggles have been so bad that manager Bob Melvin even started Adam Dunn in the DH spot against a lefty on Friday night. Dunn is hitting .164 against lefties, with nearly all of his power numbers coming against righties. Desperation.
John Jaso has seen much of his success come against righties this season, batting .272 with 9 home runs and 35 RBIs. Upon his return, it’s expected that Jaso will be strictly used as a DH or first baseman. With the addition of Dunn, and his success against RHP, and Stephen Vogt‘s splits favoring RHP, getting Jaso into a game may be tricky. Yet, this is a good problem to have. One of the three will be available for a late pinch-hitting opportunity.
Sean Doolittle’s return will be nice to have, but the A’s bullpen hasn’t been tested lately, so his absence has almost gone unnoticed.
With the additions of some key components back to the A’s lineup, the A’s could once again be a force by the Wild Card game. All you have to do is win one. We saw Jon Lester‘s performance (8 IP, 7 hits, 2 ER) against Felix Hernandez on Wednesday. Yes, the A’s lost 2-1, but with a healthier squad, and the team not struggling (they have to get on a roll to hold off Seattle/Detroit), the A’s have the goods to take down the King.
If the A’s draw Detroit, there’s a good chance that David Price will get the ball. While Price is a tough lefty, their bullpen ranks 26th in MLB with a 4.26 ERA this season.
There is room for hope, this season is not yet over.