The Oakland Athletics have shaken up their roster after dropping nine straight games, the longest losing streak in Major League Baseball this season. They promoted five players from Triple-A Las Vegas, optioned three others, put one on the injured list, and designated another for assignment.
Clearly, the team needed to address issues, especially on defense and in the bullpen. It’s a big swing, but what else could they do?
Oakland Athletics’ Roster Overhaul Amid Losing Streak
Trying to break out of their slump, the A’s brought up rookie outfielder Denzel Clarke, rookie catcher Willie MacIver, and rookie infielders Logan Davidson and C.J. Alexander. Left-hander Jacob Lopez also returns from Triple-A for his third stint this year.
These moves come as the A’s find themselves at the bottom of the American League West. The front office clearly hopes these fresh faces can spark something.
Key Player Promotions
The Athletics have brought in several new faces to rejuvenate their roster:
- Denzel Clarke: He’s ranked as the A’s No. 8 prospect and is known for his defense. Clarke was batting .286/.436/.419 with seven steals in Triple-A this year.
- Willie MacIver: A 2018 ninth-round pick of the Rockies, MacIver hit .389/.469/.548 in 35 games for Las Vegas before his call-up. He’ll back up at catcher.
- Logan Davidson: The A’s 2019 first-rounder is having his best pro season, hitting .303/.452/.428 with 10 doubles in 41 games.
- C.J. Alexander: He’s only got eight big-league at-bats, but Alexander offers some infield flexibility.
- Jacob Lopez: Lopez has made four appearances this season, giving up three earned runs in seven innings. He’s back to help out the pitching staff.
Struggles and Injuries
The Athletics have struggled all season, especially on defense and out of the bullpen. Their bullpen has a 5.98 ERA, third-worst in baseball, while the FIP sits at 4.33.
That gap points to a rough outfield defense, which ranks last in MLB with -33 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS). Center field has been a problem spot, mostly with JJ Bleday starting there.
Bleday, who broke out offensively in 2024, just hasn’t found his rhythm this year—he’s hitting .204/.291/.365 with six home runs in 47 games. His defense hasn’t helped, either.
The team optioned Bleday, catcher Jhonny Pereda, and right-hander Carlos Duran to Triple-A as part of the shakeup.
Impact of Roster Changes
Clarke’s arrival should boost the outfield defense right away. He was a fourth-round pick in 2021, and he’s flashed real power in games before. This year, he’s cut down on strikeouts, which is promising.
He can handle all three outfield spots, but expect him to get most of his time in center. That’s where the A’s need help the most.
Davidson and Alexander will get chances at second and third base, and maybe even in the outfield here and there. They’ll rotate with Max Schuemann and Luis UrÃas.
With Gio Urshela on the 10-day injured list and Zack Gelof still rehabbing, the infield is thin.
Designating Seth Brown for Assignment
The A’s designated outfielder/first baseman Seth Brown for assignment. Brown, who debuted in 2019, was their longest-tenured player.
He’s struggled defensively this year, bouncing between the outfield and first base. Brown hit 25 homers for Oakland in 2022, but he hasn’t managed an OPS above .700 since then.
Looking Ahead
The Athletics are set to face the first-place Philadelphia Phillies this weekend. They’re hoping to finally break their losing streak.
With the new roster changes, the team wants to tighten up their defense and get more from the bullpen. Clarke, MacIver, Davidson, and Alexander all bring something new—maybe even the spark this team desperately needs.
Want more details on the Athletics’ recent roster shakeup? Check out the full article on the New York Times.
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