Jake Diekman: The battle between competing and safety

Oakland A’s reliever Jake Diekman says he does not intend to sit out the 2020 season, but no one could blame him if he changed his mind.

With the ongoing pandemic, and Major League Baseball’s attempt to play some sort of a season this year, there will be different safety protocols in place. One of the more interesting options involves high risk players having the ability to opt out of the 2020 season entirely, yet they would still be paid and accumulate service time.

It would be understandable if Oakland A’s reliever Jake Diekman took that option. He is considered to be a high risk player in regards to the pandemic, as he has ulcerative colitis and had his colon removed in 2017. With the ability to be paid and receive that service time, one could understand if he stayed away from the diamond, refusing to take that risk.

That will not be the case. Instead, Diekman intends on playing this season, and despite some understandable nervousness on his part, did not consider opting out. However, if other members of the A’s get sick, he may reverse course.

More from White Cleat Beat

• Zach Logue yet another disappointing Oakland A’s trade return
• Luis Barrera heading to familiar foe in Los Angeles Angels
• Looking back at Ruben Sierra with the Oakland A’s
• San Francisco Giants showing Oakland A’s offseason could be worse
• Lucas Luetge what Oakland A’s need in bullpen

Diekman personifies the struggle for the high risk players. They obviously have their own safety to worry about, as well as that of their family members. Take Chad Pinder, for example; his wife is expected to deliver a child in September, intends on playing despite the risks that could come about in being there for the delivery.

But then, there is that competitive aspect. Usually, players are at the midpoint of the season by this time. There is the camaraderie of the clubhouse, of being on the road together. There is the natural bonding that takes place. Perhaps that is what is missed most.

But that competitive streak never goes away. Yes, Diekman, or players in his situation, would not need to worry about missing a paycheck. But it is that desire to be on the diamond, to perform on the biggest stage under the brightest lights, that drives these players. And that can outweigh any personal safety concerns.

No one would fault Jake Diekman if he remained home for the 2020 season. Instead, he plans to be a part of the Oakland A’s bullpen this year.