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Maybe this is the time for Vimael Machin

By David Hill

Apr 27, 2021; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Oakland Athletics shortstop Vimael Machin (39) hits a sacrifice RBI during the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2021; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Oakland Athletics shortstop Vimael Machin (39) hits a sacrifice RBI during the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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One can understand why Vimael Machin keeps getting chances. His minor league numbers are solid, and with his defensive versatility, he was considered to be a potential Ben Zobrist type of player in the making. That potential led to his being acquired during the Rule V Draft ahead of the 2020 season, with the Oakland A’s keeping him on the roster that season.

The problem was that Machin did not live up to that potential. He produced a disappointing 53 OPS+ in his 71 plate appearances, drawing walks and making contact, but not hitting for any power at all. His second attempt at the major league level was worse, as he had a -5 OPS+ in 57 plate appearances in 2021.

Vimael Machin starting to show some signs for Oakland A’s

This stint in the majors has been different. While Machin has just 24 plate appearances entering Wednesday, he is showing signs that he can be a useful piece for the A’s. He has six hits in his 24 plate appearances, including his first major league home run, while drawing a walk and striking out five times.

He does not appear to have anything left to prove in Triple-A. Machin had posted a stellar .324/.401/.457 batting line in his 292 plate appearances at Las Vegas, hitting three homers and 16 doubles. While the Pacific Coast League is an offensive haven, that production still stands out.

Maybe Machin is finally ready to take that next step forward. He has been more aggressive during this stint in the majors, attacking the ball instead of having more passive plate appearances. While his 98 OPS+ is not exactly impressive, it is much better than anything he had done in the majors to this point.

Although Machin is currently on the roster due to injuries, he could stick around. The A’s are going to be making more trades before the deadline, opening plenty of roster spots. Machin could get a chance to prove himself as a utility infielder.

Next. Dermis Garcia getting his chance. dark

Vimael Machin is starting to show signs of life in the majors. The Oakland A’s certainly hope he is ready to contribute going forward.