The A’s are really tough... fantastic bullpen and an offense that has some pop. They lost another starting pitcher today (Cahill) but it doesn’t seem to matter.
If he doesn't pick it up before the start of the postseason, I think they have to seriously consider moving him way down in the lineup. You can't have a guaranteed out batting for you at the 5 spot in the playoffs.
Yeah this ineptitude is severe at this point He’s a 400 ops hitter... not sure a pitcher would hit worse.
I know it's blasphemy to even suggest it, but I honestly think they should consider shutting him down for the season. If he's definitely not 100 percent and he can't hit the ball, it's not worth playing him. Play Marwin with Bregman on the left side of the infield, and that gets more playing time for Kemp, who has been the far more reliable hitter as of late.
Jake pinch running. Now, do we put him in center and sacrifice the DH? We may need his D, and if there's any time you can get away with it, it's September, with expanded rosters and therefore more depth. Not a fan of full time DH's (or as I call them "half players") but I would like to get rid of the "PH/PR for DH must DH or else lose the DH" rule, though I understand why it exists. Many times it makes sense to PR for the DH, as the DH is usually a slow guy.
