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Luis Barrera getting another chance with Oakland A’s

By David Hill

Oct 3, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder Luis Barrera (13) celebrates with left fielder Mark Canha (20) after scoring a run during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder Luis Barrera (13) celebrates with left fielder Mark Canha (20) after scoring a run during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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It seemed as though Luis Barrera’s time with the Oakland A’s had ended before it truly began. He had been designated for assignment early in the season, his place on the 40 man roster taken by left handed reliever Gabe Klobosits. While the A’s were looking for anything that could possibly end up being a long term option, Barrera appeared to have lost his chance.

And now, he is back. The A’s have promoted Barrera to the majors in an attempt to find anything resembling a productive bat in the lineup. To make room for his return, they have designated Billy McKinney for assignment.

Oakland A’s giving Luis Barrera another shot

Barrera certainly deserves this look. He has forced his way back into the A’s plans with his performance at Triple-A, having produced a .286/.347/.473 batting line in his 101 plate appearances, hitting three homers and six doubles. As the A’s need to find anything that resembles production, he is getting another chance.

McKinney was not a part of the solution. He had been expected to be a power bat in the A’s lineup heading into the 2022 season but had not been able to be close to what the A’s wanted. He had produced a disappointing .096/.158/.173 batting line in his 57 plate appearances, hitting just one homer and a double. The A’s needed more than that.

While Barrera is not going to be considered a power threat, he is a solid option with the bat. He makes consistent contact and is more of a line drive hitter than anything else. However, his plus speed can turn those balls hit into the gap into doubles and triples. He also has experience at all three outfield spots, adding more versatility to the A’s roster.

He will also get a real chance to prove himself. Barrera only had eight plate appearances over six games last year, hardly enough time to show that he could actually contribute at the major league level. He is set to get that chance now as the rebuilding A’s are looking for anything they can.

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Luis Barrera appeared to be out of the Oakland A’s plans for the future. Now, he is back, and ready to establish himself in the majors.