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Khris Davis hoping to play way into role on 2022 Oakland A’s

By David Hill

Sep 27, 2020; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics designated hitter Khris Davis (2) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2020; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics designated hitter Khris Davis (2) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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No one expected that Khris Davis would be here. After the Oakland A’s traded him to the Texas Rangers, his time in the Bay Area was seemingly over. After he was released by Texas after his disappointing stint with the team, there seemed to be no chance that he would return.

Even when the A’s brought him back on a minor league deal, a return trip to the majors was unlikely. This contract appeared to be a courtesy, a chance to Davis to show he may have something left in the tank and get a chance in 2022.

Khris Davis has already surpassed expectations for Oakland A’s

That chance could come with the A’s. Davis caught fire in Triple-A, posting an impressive .333/.382/.921 batting line in 68 plate appearances, hitting ten homers and three doubles. He ended his time in Las Vegas in the perfect way, belting a homer before being lifted for a pinch hitter.

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That pinch hitter came in only because Davis was heading back to Oakland. It was a remarkable turnaround, as this move was completely unexpected when he signed. However, with the A’s needing right handed power in their lineup, and Mitch Moreland landing on the Injured List again, this move made sense.

It is not clear how much playing time Davis will get. Jed Lowrie had taken over as the A’s primary designated hitter even before Moreland was injured. However, as Lowrie has scuffled of late, Davis could get plenty of action in an attempt to keep the second baseman’s bat fresh over the final few weeks.

It is also possible that this final month could be a trial for Davis. Should he be able to replicate his production at Triple-A in the majors, he could play his way into a contract for the 2022 season. That deal could even come in Oakland as the A’s look to find a relatively inexpensive option to fill out the roster.

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Khris Davis is back in the majors. If his return to the Oakland A’s goes as well as they hope, this could be an audition for 2022.