A's narrow OF competition; Reed still in mix

With so few holes to fill on the roster, the battle for the fourth outfield spot has become one of the main storylines of A’s camp.

The list of players in contention for that outfield spot is narrowing down.

Prior to Monday’s game against the Indians in Goodyear, Ariz., the A’s announced a flurry of roster moves to trim the number of players in big league camp. Outfielders Luis Barrera, Skye Bolt and Greg Deichmann were among those optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas.

Buddy Reed, Oakland’s No. 21 prospect per MLB Pipeline, was not among the players optioned. Though he lacks big league experience, the 25-year-old outfielder appears to have bought himself some extra time in big league camp with an impressive start to the Cactus League season that has seen him make several eye-opening plays, including Sunday’s leaping catch at the wall to rob José Abreu of extra bases.

“He’s a really excitable player,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said of Reed. “This is the big leagues for him. Even though it’s Spring Training, this is a great opportunity for him. Every day, he’s really excited about getting an opportunity. He’s had enough good plays to make a lot of eye contact with me this spring.”

Reed has certainly put himself on the big league radar, though the switch-hitter still appears to be behind at least a couple of players on the depth chart, including Seth Brown, whose left-handed bat and good plate discipline both fit the profile of the type of player the A’s would like in that fourth outfield spot. Brown also has big league experience, having played in 33 games with Oakland over the past two years.

Ka’ai Tom, whom the A’s selected in the Rule 5 Draft in December, is also about to insert himself into the mix. The left-handed-hitting outfielder was sidelined early in spring due to an oblique injury. Now healthy, Tom was in the leadoff spot to begin Monday’s game. He spent 2019 in Cleveland’s system at Double-A and Triple-A, combining to hit .290 with 23 home runs and 86 RBIs in 132 games.

Given his status as a Rule 5 pick -- which means the club must keep him on the active roster all season or else offer him back to the Indians for $50,000 -- Tom could have a good shot to make the Opening Day roster if he stays healthy.

“You can see the guys we’re probably leaning on the hardest to get that last spot,” Melvin said. “Some of them do different things. It’s just about what our needs are going to be and which one complements the rest of the guys on the roster the most.”