One of the biggest questions for the Oakland A’s heading into spring training was the health of Matt Chapman. He had undergone surgery to repair a torn hip labrum, and while he was expected to be at full health for the start of the preseason, it was still a matter of seeing Chapman in action.
Chapman’s health was all the more important given the status of the A’s roster. Although they had managed to replace most of their free agent departures, a return to form for Chapman would be vital to their hopes for the upcoming season.
Matt Chapman looking like himself once again
Thus far in spring training, Chapman is looking like himself once more. He has notched five hits in his 17 plate appearances heading into Sunday, belting two homers and drawing a walk. His strikeout rate has also come back down to its usual levels, as he has struck out only four times.
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This success with the bat is certainly something that the A’s were hoping to see. Chapman had struggled mightily last season, posting a disappointing .232/.276/.535 batting line in his 152 plate appearances. Although he did show plenty of pop with ten homers and nine doubles, he drew only eight walks while striking out 54 times.
Chapman’s defense also suffered last year. The two time Platinum Glove winner actually cost the A’s a run at third last year as he did not have the range and mobility he usually possessed. March has been a different story, as Chapman is diving for balls and making the types of plays that we are accustomed to seeing.
Yes, it is only spring training. And yes, these statistics do not matter, especially given that a different ball is being used in these games then will be used in the regular season. What is important is that Chapman looks healthy and is once again driving the ball with authority while making the plays that the A’s have come to expect at third.
Matt Chapman is looking like himself once again. The Oakland A’s will need him to return to form in their quest to repeat in the AL West.