DIVISIONAL OUTLOOK: AL West—OAK 2B questions linger

Oakland Athletics

Many observers expected the 2B battle to play out over most of the season, but few anticipated the current situation entering August. Eric Sogard (2B, OAK) entered March as a likely roster cut, thanks to just 179 MLB career AB over three years and a .189 BA. But a combination of bb%, ct%, and h% upticks—7%, 86%, and 31% respectively—has helped Sogard outlast his struggling/injured competitors. A .287/.342/.388 line over his first 209 AB vs. RHPs and his ability to do "the little things" places Sogard at the top of the A's order on most nights.

Apart from sub-par power and average speed, Sogard's biggest issue is left-handed pitching, against whom he is batting .184. It's also one of the primary reasons OAK acquired

More From PT Tomorrow

Could George Springer's playing time continue to slip as his struggles continue? Plus, Blaze Alexander nearing a return for BAL, and rotation updates for TB, BOS, and NYY.
Aug 25 2026 3:05am
Robert Stock has excelled at limiting hard contact, but can he become efficient enough to earn a win? Plus: 1B & SP in MIA; INF & SP in PHI; 1B in WAS; SP in ATL; more.
Aug 24 2026 3:37am
This week, we check in on late-season closer options in both L.A. and Colorado, watch as new playing time changes become clearer in S.F. and S.D., and welcome some guys to (or back to) the majors.
Aug 22 2026 3:07am
With Dansby Swanson dealing with an oblique issue, Ramírez should see regular at bats.
Aug 21 2026 3:05am
Despite a stellar performance at Triple-A, Walker Jenkins just can't seem to get a call-up from the Twins. Plus, Sam Antonacci and Michael Massey facing lefties, Angel Martínez's playing time crunch in CLE, and Kerry Carpenter's extended absence in DET.
Aug 20 2026 3:05am

Tools