Elephant Rumblings: Opening Day roster snapping into place

MLB news roundup

Happy Wednesday, Athletics Nation!

The A’s played their last preseason game against the Giants yesterday, and the Opening Day roster picture has begun crystallizing into something that should closely resemble this tweet:

The A’s roster has been shaped considerably by a rash of injuries. Relievers Austin Adams and T.J. McFarland were brought on board just in the past week to fill in for ailing bullpen arms Trevor Gott and Sean Newcomb. Be sure to check out the details on the A’s encore acquisition of McFarland from JToster.

Top prospects Joe Boyle and Darell Hernaiz got the nod to stay with the big league club as the season gets underway. Boyle impressed all spring but got shellacked in his final Spring Training appearance last week. Boyle gets the fifth spot in the A’s rotation regardless, as Connor Ashford detailed in his latest report. Hernaiz should be making his MLB debut soon at just 22 years of age despite the dearth of power he generated at the plate this spring.

This A’s squadron placed 29th on the most recent power rankings from The Athletic, and Susan Slusser at the San Francisco Chronicle noted yesterday that Baseball Prospectus projects that the A’s will avoid another 100-loss season—but just barely.

Unfortunately, the relocation drama surrounding the franchise and the alienation it has engendered among fans will probably continue to overshadow the team’s on-field performance.

But whatever will happen this season begins tomorrow at the Coliseum. Stephen Vogt will make his managerial debut with the visiting Cleveland Guardians. And I have to admit: I recently canceled my MLB subscription in protest but am already feeling an urge to re-up. Decisions, decisions...

A’s Coverage:

• A’s conclude Spring Training with 3-1 win
• Athletics name Joe Boyle 5th starter, Hoy Park to Triple-A
• A’s reacquire reliever T.J. McFarland from Dodgers
• Athletics Spring Training Prospects Update: 3/19-3/25
• A’s 5 questions: Expect better results, but off-field drama will overshadow season ($)
• Ranadive reveals he, Fisher spoke about A’s playing in Sacramento

MLB News & Interest:

• Shohei Ohtani and sports media’s big gambling problem that isn’t going away ($)
• How every MLB team can make the 2024 Playoffs ($)
• MLB Preseason Power Rankings: Braves, Dodgers duke it out for the top spot ($)
• Orioles Sign Tony Kemp, Designate Nick Maton
• Mets Release Luke Voit
• Offseason In Review: Texas Rangers
• Baseball’s missing milestones: How long will 500/3,000/300 drought last? Who could end it? ($)
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

Roster moves.

Scarcely hittable.

Chappy with a fast pitch assist to nab Nicky knocks.

Soon after, St. Nick shows Chappy how things are done on the left side of his infield.

A’s and Mets leading in ladies.

Easy as 1-6-3.

Tony Kemp might see the postseason this year!

Sweet caps.