The past six weeks have not been kind to Oakland A’s prospect Nick Allen.
While there had never been any questions about Allen’s glove, there were concerns as to whether or not he would hit enough at the major league level to justify a starting role. His defense would make him a glove first utility man at worst, but even a close to league average bat could give the A’s a valuable asset in the middle of their infield.
Home run may be spark Nick Allen needed
Those questions have certainly appeared over the past few weeks. Allen had a .188/.235/.219 batting line in his 103 plate appearances since July 1, with just three doubles for his extra base hits. He draw just six walks, striking out 22 times, in that stretch, failing to either get hits or find a way to get on base.
But there was a glimmer of hope on Sunday. Allen hit a solo home run in the eighth inning to put the A’s on the board, his first since June 21. While he is never going to be a power hitter, that homer could be the spark he needs to find enough offense to show that he can be a key part of the lineup.
It also continues what has been a solid August for the young infielder. Allen has eight hits in his 32 plate appearances this month, with a double and a homer, while drawing three walks and striking out seven times. Although it is a small sample size, it is a reason for hope.
Allen is going to get plenty of chances to prove himself as a major league option. The A’s are not going anywhere this season and are going to let the kids play. That means that Allen will have the next few weeks to prove that his decent August numbers are not a fluke.
Nick Allen hit his first home run in nearly two months on Sunday. The Oakland A’s are hoping that blast will help spark his offensive production.