Projecting the Oakland A’s Opening Day lineup

Sep 10, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics catcher Sean Murphy (12) hits a single during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics catcher Sean Murphy (12) hits a single during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oakland A's outfielder Stephen Piscotty
Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

Right Field – Stephen Piscotty

The Oakland A’s are in the same situation with Stephen Piscotty as they are with Elvis Andrus. They would love to part with his contract, but after three subpar seasons and his injury history, that is an impossibility right now. Maybe the A’s can trade him at the deadline if he proves to be healthy, but that is a longshot.

Center Field – Cristian Pache

Cristian Pache is another example of the type of prospects that the A’s have added. He is a possible Gold Glove caliber outfielder, but there are questions as to whether or not he will hit enough to be a major league starter. As Ramon Laureano still has time to serve for his PED suspension, Pache is going to have a golden opportunity at the start of the year to prove himself at the major league level.

Next. A's need Piscotty to rebound in 2022. dark

Left Field – Chad Pinder

Chad Pinder has been extremely valuable for the A’s due to his ability to fill in around the diamond. While that versatility allowed Pinder to be in the lineup nearly every day when he was healthy, he is likely to get a look at a more defined role in 2022. That role may well come in left field, a position where Pinder has made most of his major league appearances.