The recently acquired JD Davis is set to make his debut with the Oakland Athletics this afternoon in a matchup against the Chicago White Sox. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 pm PST.
Davis was released by the Giants earlier this week after winning a salary arbitration case that would have paid him $6.9 million in 2024. The Giants used a little known contract clause to get out of the deal, paying Davis just north of $1 million in termination pay.
Davis spoke with Susan Slusser of the SF Chronicle ($) about his experience during the salary arbitration process and getting released. "I can’t speak for everybody, but I know there’s a lot of blowback,” said. “There was definitely some concern amongst some (pre-arbitration and arbitration eligible) players, like, ‘What if this happens to me?".
The termination clause is in the CBA, meaning the players agreed to it during negotiations. Even if teams don't frequently use this method to get out of paying player contracts, it's still being received poorly in the MLB community and there could be negative ramifications in terms of players wanting to play in San Francisco.
Nevertheless, the Athletics signed Davis to a one-year contract earlier this week. He'll receive $2.5 million guaranteed, with the opportunity to earn another $1 million in performance bonuses.
J.D. Davis makes his A’s debut
— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) March 17, 2024
A’s lineup vs. White Sox: Butler RF, Gelof 2B, Brown DH, Andujar LF, Bleday CF, Davis 3B, Noda 1B, Langeliers C, Hernaiz SS; Wood P pic.twitter.com/ClbtMtrgKW
He's slotted in to start at third base for the A's this afternoon, with Darell Hernaiz working to his left at shortstop. Miguel Andujar returns to the lineup for the second straight day after missing multiple games this week due to calf soreness.
Andujar got the start at DH yesterday and went hitless in 4 plate appearances. His OPS is down to 1.100 and he'll look to return to form against a weak White Sox pitching staff.
Right hander Nick Nastrini gets the start for the Sox today. The 24 year old threw 40 innings between Double-A and Triple-A in 2023 and is pitching well enough this spring that he might get the chance to make his major league debut early in 2024.
Lefty Alex Wood will take the mound for the Athletics. He's had a rough start to the spring, having allowed 5 earned runs on 8 hits in his first 6 innings. The White Sox are projected to finish last in the AL Central, so today is as good a day as any for Wood to get things back on the right track.