Oakland A’s: Vimael Machin getting a chance to make second impression

The Oakland A’s needed to find a way to add shortstop depth to the roster. However, they just did not have a way to do so, unless a player was injured or they were forced to make a difficult decision when it came to their bench. Ideally, the A’s would be able to add either Vimael Machin or Pete Kozma to the mix as they were already on their taxi squad.

In this case, nature helped out the A’s roster crunch. Stephen Piscotty was placed on the paternity list, allowing Oakland to add Machin to the roster.

Vimael Machin gets second chance, albeit briefly

A Rule V selection prior to the 2020 season, Machin did manage to spend the entire season as part of the A’s roster. He did not exactly impress in that time, posting a .206/.296/.238 batting line in his 71 plate appearances. While he did draw eight walks while striking out only ten times, Machin did not hit for any type of power, with just two doubles for extra base hits.

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However, he did look much better this offseason and in spring training. While hs still did not hit for much power, Machin was a solid offensive presence in the Puerto Rican Winter League, producing a .345/.435/.379 batting line with two doubles in 69 plate appearances, drawing six walks and striking out just eight times.

That solid production continued into spring training. Machin had a respectable .286/.327/.327 batting line in his 52 plate appearances. Once again, he had a pair of doubles, drawing three walks and striking out six times. Although Machin showed signs of progress, he was unable to crack the A’s Opening Day roster.

Now he gets another chance. Oakland needs someone capable of backing up at short as they are without that player on the 26 man roster. While he may not be long for the majors, as Piscotty will be back in relatively short order, he still has another chance to make an impression, and perhaps stick around longer than expected.

Vimael Machin is getting another look. While he may not stay for long, a strong showing could force the Oakland A’s to keeping him in the majors.