Cody Thomas finally getting major league opportunity

Mar 18, 2021; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Oakland Athletics outfielder Cody Thomas against the San Diego Padres during a Spring Training game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2021; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Oakland Athletics outfielder Cody Thomas against the San Diego Padres during a Spring Training game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

After six years in the minors, and a campaign lost due to the pandemic, Cody Thomas is finally getting a look at the majors.

Thomas is one of the players that the Oakland A’s are bringing up as rosters expand to 28 players in September. According to the A’s communications account on Twitter, he is joining Ken Waldichuk on the trek to Oakland, with David McKay being designated for assignment.

Oakland A’s look at another outfielder in Cody Thomas

This is yet another outfielder that the A’s are going to give playing time to. They have already used 13 different players in the outfield this season as they look to find something that they can build around. Suffice to say that they have not had much success in that search.

Thomas is an interesting prospect in his own right. Acquired as part of the deal that had temporarily sent Sheldon Neuse to the Dodgers, he has tremendous raw power but also has a tendency to strike out given a somewhat long swing. He showed both sides of that scouting report in Las Vegas last season, hitting 18 homers and 20 doubles in his 245 plate appearances, but also striking out 78 times.

Injuries have limited Thomas this season. He was expected to compete for a spot on the A’s roster in spring training but had required surgery on his Achilles during the offseason. He only recently returned to the lineup, making a total of ten appearances between Rookie Ball and Triple-A this year.

As they say, better late than never. Now that he is healthy, Thomas can attempt to prove that he can be a part of the A’s future. If he is able to cut down on his strikeouts while continuing to show that tremendous power potential, he could be a part of the outfield picture going forward.

Waldichuk making A's debut. dark. Next

The Oakland A’s are still looking for answers in the outfield. This time, it is Cody Thomas’ turn to get a chance over the final few weeks.