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Skye Bolt making most of opportunity with Oakland A’s

By David Hill

Jul 15, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Oakland Athletics center fielder Skye Bolt (11) celebrates with left fielder Tony Kemp (5) after hitting a home run during the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 15, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Oakland Athletics center fielder Skye Bolt (11) celebrates with left fielder Tony Kemp (5) after hitting a home run during the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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For years, Skye Bolt appeared to be nothing more than a JAG – Just Another Guy that could be found in the upper levels of any team’s farm system. He had performed well in Triple-A, showing the potential to be a solid all-around player, but never found that success in the majors. Bolt, and others like him, were minor league filler.

Now he is getting more of a chance. Due to the Oakland A’s rebuild and a complete lack of production from the lineup, Bolt is getting more of an opportunity than he had ever before. It is now up to him to do something with that chance.

Skye Bolt does his part for one night with Oakland A’s

He did just that on Friday night. Bolt had three hits in his four at bats against the Astros, hitting a homer while driving in three runs in the A’s 5-1 victory. That performance marked his first multi-RBI game in his major league career despite reaching Oakland over parts of three seasons.

However, Bolt really had not received much of an extended look in the lineup before. He had served as a backup outfielder for most of the 2021 campaign during his time in Oakland, making just 12 starts in his 32 games for the A’s. It was not a surprise that he struggled to get into a rhythm during that time as he received just 59 plate appearances.

This year has been different. Bolt has started 11 of his 13 appearances since he was activated from the Injured List. While his .216/.237/.378 batting line with two homers and 11 strikeouts in 38 plate appearances may not be impressive, it is better than what he had done in the majors before.

It may be just a matter of Bolt gaining confidence. The more he plays, the better he may be from a mental aspect. Knowing that he will not be relegated to a bench role after a hitless night can let him relax in the batter’s box, letting his talent and potential shine through. So far, he is making the most of those chances.

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Skye Bolt had a career night on Friday against the Astros. The Oakland A’s are hoping that performance is just the beginning.