Oakland Athletics’ Weekend Roundup: A.J. Griffin, Jesse Chavez and Matt Olson
The Oakland Athletics managed to drag themselves out of last place for the first time in weeks, but Friday’s loss to the Royals has them behind the rest of the division yet again. Here are this week’s highlights:
In Case You Missed it:
In our most popular article of the week, Andrew Dambrauskas explained why A.J. Griffin gives the A’s a chance to trade lefty Scott Kazmir.
Casey Witt talked about exactly what pitcher Jesse Chavez has meant to the Oakland Athletics, and Daniel Martinez discussed the promising future of Eric O’Flaherty.
Meanwhile, Selena Smith broke down the bad blood between the Royals and the A’s this season, and Samantha Riley analyzed Marcus Semien‘s extensive efforts to improve at defense.
Rumors, Transactions and Trades:
Stephen Vogt‘s x-rays came back negative, after he was hit in the wrist by a pitch from reliever Franklin Morales in Friday night’s Royals game.
The Athletics have been linked to rumors about free agent reliever Phil Coke. The veteran bullpen arm was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays, and is seeking a major league opportunity elsewhere.
Ben Zobrist is still a hot trade target as the deadline approaches, and it’s possible that the Cubs might be a viable option.
However, Ken Rosenthal reports that the A’s aren’t quite ready to call themselves sellers, according to MLBTradeRumors.
More from White Cleat Beat
- Oakland A’s bring Deolis Guerra back on minor league deal
- How much will Oakland A’s improvements matter in 2023?
- Oakland A’s giving Drew Rucinski a chance to prove himself
- The pain of the Oakland A’s first round draft picks
- David MacKinnon joins Oakland A’s alumni overseas
Around the Minors
On Friday, the Nashville Sounds had their first walk-off win. It came in unusual fashion – Craig Gentry scored on a wild pitch, but the throw from the Oklahoma City Dodgers’ catcher to the pitcher covering the plate bounced off of Gentry and rolled into the dugout, allowing Joey Wendle to score from third.
First baseman Matt Olson and third baseman Renato Nunez will represent the A’s in the Futures Game, which takes place before the All-Star game in Cincinnati. Olson is the team’s top prospect, and Nunez is ranked fourth in the organization. Both have spent the season with Double-A Midland.
Elsewhere in Baseball
Over at Climbing Tal’s Hill, they reviewed the recent minor league promotions of pitcher Mark Appel and outfielder Brett Phillips, who are both top prospects for the Astros.
Robinson Cano‘s struggles were documented by SodoMojo, as he has had trouble settling in with the Mariners this season.
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