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Oakland A’s depth takes yet another hit with Chad Pinder injury

By David Hill

Jul 7, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Oakland Athletics third baseman Chad Pinder (4) runs to first base on a double during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 7, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Oakland Athletics third baseman Chad Pinder (4) runs to first base on a double during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oakland A’s depth has taken several hits over the past few weeks. The outfield has already been thinned out with Mark Canha and Stephen Piscotty on the Injured List, leading to the likes of Tony Kemp and Seth Brown getting more chances than would be expected. Chad Pinder, back from his own IL stint, was to be an important part of the roster.

But that has changed. Pinder is back on the IL, shelved by a strained hamstring that is expected to keep him out for more than a month.

Chad Pinder injury further tests Oakland A’s depth

The A’s value players that can appear at multiple positions, and Pinder is no exception. Despite appearing in only 46 games due to his injury issues, he has started games at both corner outfield positions, second, third, and short this season. His defensive versatility has come in handy as the A’s have needed to patch the lineup.

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Unfortunately, Pinder is also in the midst of what would be his worst season with the bat. He has produced a meager .216/.269/.358 batting line in his 145 plate appearances, hitting three homers and ten doubles while striking out 40 times. His 77 OPS+ is the worst since his 22 game stint back in 2016 when he made his major league debut.

In his place, the A’s are bringing up minor league veteran Jacob Wilson. A 12th round selection by the Cardinals in the 2012 MPB Draft, this will be Wilson’s first taste of the majors. He deserves the opportunity as he produced a solid .288/.385/.630 batting line with 14 homers and 17 doubles in his 218 plate appearances in Triple-A this season.

Wilson does fit the utility mold that the A’s covet. He has experience around the infield and at both corner outfield positions, giving the A’s bench a useful piece. After spending time in three different organizations and a year in the Korean Baseball Organization, Wilson will get a chance to show what he can do.

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The Oakland A’s depth has taken another hit. Chad Pinder is back on the Injured List and is expected to be sidelined for at least a month.