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Oakland A’s: Three players to step up for Ramon Laureano

By David Hill

Jul 10, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Oakland Athletics center fielder Ramon Laureano (22) reacts after popping out in the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 10, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Oakland Athletics center fielder Ramon Laureano (22) reacts after popping out in the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports /

Matt Chapman

There was a time when Matt Chapman was being regarded as the best all around third baseman in the American League. Considering his production over the past two years, those days seem far in the past.

After undergoing surgery for a torn hip labrum last season, there were high hopes surrounding the Oakland A’s third baseman. He was supposed to be healthy, ready to return to being a stellar defensive player and a fearsome power hitter, someone that the A’s desperately need in the lineup.

Instead, Chapman has continued to struggle in every aspect. His 89 OPS+ is by far the lowest of his career, and he keeps racking up strikeouts at a prodigious rate. Entering Saturday, he had produced a disappointing .213/.302/.367 batting line with 14 homers and 11 doubles in 441 plate appearances, striking out 142 times.

That just is not enough. Chapman has had points in time when he appeared to be breaking out of his season long slump, only to tail off once again. The A’s could certainly use another hot streak to begin right about now, and last on through the postseason.

Matt Chapman has not been himself since injuring his hip last season. The Oakland A’s need him to find his form once again.