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Oakland A’s facing tough question with Cristian Pache

By David Hill

May 15, 2022; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics center fielder Cristian Pache (20) runs off of the field after the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2022; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics center fielder Cristian Pache (20) runs off of the field after the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports /
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There is something to be said for letting players figure things out at the major league level. However, there is also a point in time where reality has to step in and point out that maybe, just maybe, nothing is improving. Such is the case with the Oakland A’s and Cristian Pache.

Despite getting plenty of chances, Pache has not hit at all at the major league level. He has a miserable .169/.216/.240 batting line in his 196 plate appearances, hitting two homers and five doubles. For all of his speed, he has just one steal in three attempts. His .457 OPS is 90 points below the second worst mark in the majors – Myles Straw has a .547 OPS.

Oakland A’s need to do something with Cristian Pache

It is not as though Pache is improving as of late. He has just five hits in his 36 June plate appearances, striking out 12 times. While he has been working on his approach and hitting the ball to all fields, the results have not been there.

This leaves the A’s in a tough spot. Pache has otherwise been everything the A’s could have hoped for – a Gold Glove caliber center fielder with an infectious personality who has embraced the community and fans. However, at some point, he needs to begin to produce, especially as he was one of the key pieces to head back to Oakland for Matt Olson.

It is possible that a demotion could come in the next few days. Stephen Piscotty is starting his rehab assignment and is expected to be back by the end of the month. Playing time may be harder to come by considering that Chad Pinder and Ramon Laureano are entrenched in the outfield. It would make more sense to give him regular plate appearances at Triple-A than to have him languish on the bench.

The A’s have already sent other young players that they hoped would be key parts of the future back to Triple-A. Kevin Smith was unable to produce and was finally sent down. The same could happen to Pache.

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Cristian Pache has not produced no matter how many chances the Oakland A’s have given him. His time in the majors could be ending soon.