Mitch Moreland had already begun to lose playing time in August. With Josh Harrison becoming the primary option at second, and Jed Lowrie getting more time as the Oakland A’s designated hitter, Moreland was relegated to more of a backup role. Tendonitis in his left wrist had led to a stint on the Injured List after his last appearance on August 26, the latest setback in a disappointing season.
Chances are, Moreland’s season is over. Manager Bob Melvin stated that he will be in a splint for several weeks and that his availability for the end of 2021 is in jeopardy.
Mitch Moreland (wrist tendinitis) is in a splint for "at least a few weeks," Bob Melvin said. "We'll see where that takes us; certainly probably the regular season is in jeopardy at this point." #Athletics
— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) September 3, 2021
Mitch Moreland will not be back on Oakland A’s in 2021
As it is, Moreland had been a disappointment for the A’s this season. Brought in to provide some needed pop to the lineup, he was unable to replicate his strong 2020 campaign. He produced a .227/.286/.415 batting line in his 252 plate appearances, hitting ten homers and 11 doubles.
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Moreland’s lack of production has led to other opportunities. Lowrie has gotten more of a chance at the DH spot, allowing him to stay healthy and get some rest while keeping his bat in the lineup. It is just another way that the A’s have proven able to keep Lowrie healthy, as the only times he has appeared in over 100 games in his career have come in an A’s uniform.
This also leads to an unexpected opportunity for a returning member of the franchise. Khris Davis had been on fire in Triple-A, leading to his being recalled to Oakland. As improbable as it may have seemed when he signed a minor league contract with the team, he could have a chance to play his way onto the roster next year.
Moreland was certainly worth a chance. He was a relatively inexpensive option despite his solid production in 2020, someone that could add another powerful element to the A’s lineup. Instead, he was unable to be what they needed.
Chances are, the Oakland A’s will not get Mitch Moreland back before the end of the 2021 season. His time with the A’s is likely at an end.