Grossman Begins Lead-Off Candidacy With 1.000 OBP Day

Oakland's love affair with on-base percentage is no secret. Indeed, on-base percentage was one of the only explanations for the puzzling signing of Robbie Grossman just a week ago. Many wondered how the A's, already boasting a deep group of outfielders, could benefit from adding Grossman, who doesn't hit for power and can be a defensive liability.

Grossman's career on-base percentage of .355 (.367 in 2018) was likely what caught the Athletics' attention. His name has been tossed around in conversations about who might lead off for the A's this season and on Friday afternoon he demonstrated his ability to reach base. He singled in the first and drew a walk in the fourth before Beau Taylor replaced him.

At the time of this writing (through six innings), Grossman was one of just three Athletics to reach base and had the lone hit for Oakland. Notably, Nick Martini--presumably one of Grossman's main competitors for the lead-off spot--was 0-3.