Elvis Andrus literally left it all on the diamond

One had a feeling that the Oakland A’s would not get good news about Elvis Andrus. He had felt a pop in his ankle rounding third base, collapsing on the diamond after he scored the game winning run on Saturday. Even though the A’s had to hope for the best, they realistically had to know that would not be the case.

Those fears turned out to be true. Andrus suffered a fractured fibula on the play, scoring that winning run on a mixture of heart, guts, and adrenaline as he ensured that the A’s would not fall further behind in their quest for the playoffs.

Elvis Andrus leaves it all on the diamond

No matter what happens for the A’s going forward, Andrus’ season is done. He will not be able to recover in time to be a part of the postseason should the A’s find their way in the playoffs, left to root for his teammates from the dugout.

But Andrus would be a constant reminder of the sacrifices made to get there. He shrugged off a fractured fibula for a few more seconds, running as hard as he could to make certain that the A’s would remain alive. As soon as he was able to touch the plate, he had nothing left to give.

This is exactly the type of warrior mentality that the A’s have needed. Chris Bassitt had made a remarkable return from the Injured List on Thursday, completing his comeback after being drilled in the face by a line drive. He had said that he pushed himself because that is the A’s way – they do not make excuses and they put in the work needed. The organization makes them better people, and they will run through a wall for Bob Melvin. As Bassitt said, they are the Green and Gold.

Andrus has exemplified that belief and desire as well. Even if his statistical contributions have been disappointing, he instantly became a leader in the locker room. He took the time to teach the finer points of baserunning to his teammates, becoming someone that the A’s needed. That leadership and commitment continued on Saturday over those final 90 feet.

Elvis Andrus literally left it all on the diamond for the Oakland A’s. Even if his numbers were not as hoped, he has proven to be what this team needed.