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3 players possibly on chopping block for Oakland A’s

By David Hill

SUPRISE, AZ - March 1: Mickey McDonald of the Oakland Athletics hits a home run during the game against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium on March 1, 2020 in Suprise, Arizona. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
SUPRISE, AZ - March 1: Mickey McDonald of the Oakland Athletics hits a home run during the game against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium on March 1, 2020 in Suprise, Arizona. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

Adam Kolarek

The Oakland A’s were expecting that Adam Kolarek would be a key part of their bullpen when he was acquired from the Dodgers.

It was easy to understand why. He had gone from being a solid reliever to essentially being a death sentence for a left handed hitter during his time in Los Angeles. Kolarek had put together a 0.88 ERA and a 0.848 WHiP in his 30.2 innings over 46 appearances for the Dodgers. He was supposed to be that lefty specialist in Oakland, getting that key out needd.

But that has not happened. Kolarek has struggled when he has been in the majors for the A’s, posting a 7.36 ERA and a 2.045 WHiP in his 14.2 innings, issuing nine walks and hitting three batters while striking out just eight. The rule where pitchers have to face three batters at minimum has made a major impact upon his performance.

Even then, it would be relatively fine if he was getting lefties out. However, he is not this season as left handed hitters have a .872 OPS against him, albeit in the small sample size of 13 plate appearances. As the A’s have other left handed options in the bullpen, and Kolarek has been ineffective since coming to Oakland, his time could come to an end soon.

The Oakland A’s need to find pieces for their future. Adam Kolarek clearly is not one of those.