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Matt Olson on fire thus far in June

By David Hill

Jun 16, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson (28) runs towards third base ahead of second baseman Jed Lowrie (8) before scoring a a run during the sixth inning at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 16, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson (28) runs towards third base ahead of second baseman Jed Lowrie (8) before scoring a a run during the sixth inning at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Matt Olson has been a key part of the Oakland A’s success this year. The first baseman has easily established his All Star credentials as he has been the A’s best hitter this season. His excellent season has helped the team to the top of the AL West, his steady bat helping the A’s to overcome inconsistencies elsewhere in the lineup.

The A’s have been on a strong run of late, winning 15 of their last 20 games entering Friday. They hold a 2.5 game lead over the Astros for the division, a strong lead for a team that has historically put the pedal to the metal over the second half of the season.

Matt Olson fueling Oakland A’s surge

It is not a surprise that, as the A’s have been on fire, Olson has as well. The first baseman has produced a .431/.483/.804 batting line in his 60 plate appearances, hitting five homers and four doubles. He has done an excellent job in terms of making contact, striking out just nine times while drawing five walks.

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The 2021 season was considered to be a crucial one for his future. Olson had the worst season of his major league career, posting a 104 OPS+ despite hitting 14 homers in his 245 plate appearances. However, many players around the game struggled in the pandemic shortened season, leading to the hope that he would be back on track in a normal season.

Thus far, that has been the case as Olson has put that dismal season in the rearview mirror. He has posted a 175 OPS+, a mark that would be the best of his career. He has 16 doubles and 18 homers in his 267 plate appearances, his batting stroke clearly back.

While Ramon Laureano may be the heart and soul of the team, Olson is the quiet leader in the lineup. His power bat makes a tremendous impact, helping to bring the lineup together. Likewise, his presence at first makes a tremendous difference defensively, as his excellent glove makes the infield play up that much more.

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Matt Olson has been on fire during the month of June. It is not a surprise that the Oakland A’s have followed suit with a strong run of their own.