The Athletics Ideal Lineup for the Wild Card Game

Sep 28, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics shortstop Jed Lowrie (8) hits a two run single against the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

5. Jed Lowrie, SS

Lowrie has battled injuries all year long, and as a result his stats probably aren’t where he’d like them to be (especially since he’s in a contract year). But he’s had a nice September, hitting .297 for the month, and he can provide good gap-to-gap power. Even if he’s not hitting balls out of the park, he is a doubles machine.

One of his flaws is with the glove. In his defense (no pun intended) his finger injury severely limited his throwing ability for most of the season. However he still posts a -0.2 dWAR for the year, so Melvin shouldn’t be scared to bring Nick Punto in for defense late in the game if necessary.