Skye Bolt may have had last chance with Oakland A’s

If ever Skye Bolt was going to stick with the Oakland A’s, this was the year.

The A’s desperately needed outfielders as they entered their rebuilding process. Bolt had displayed a solid all around game at Triple-A, hitting for some pop with solid speed. While he had struggled in the majors, he also had just 71 major league plate appearances prior to this season.

Skye Bolt showing he is just another guy with Oakland A’s

This year was his chance. Instead, he was injured throughout most of the 2022 campaign, spending time on the Injured List with an oblique strain, a strained hamstring, and a right knee patella subluxation. He did not produce at all either when he was healthy, although injuries likely played a factor. Nonetheless, the A’s designated Bolt for assignment before he was outrighted to Triple-A.

While Bolt only appeared in 42 games this season, his 116 plate appearances mark the high point of his major league career. However, he put together a disappointing .198/.259/.330 batting line. He did show his all around potential with four homers and five steals, but was not able to hit enough to have those skills truly manifest.

Maybe he will get another chance in 2023. The A’s need for outfielders is not going to change, especially with Chad Pinder slated for free agency and the probability that Ramon Laureano will be traded. Bolt could once again get a look at the majors.

But at this point, it is also fair to wonder how many more chances he will get. Injuries can be used as an excuse this year, but he had not produced previously either. Bolt is essentially just another guy, someone who will be a bench piece or minor league filler.

Skye Bolt is back in Triple-A after passing through waivers. He just has not been able to prove himself with the Oakland A’s.