Andujar (2 HRs) building case to crack A's roster

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Miguel Andujar entered Spring Training considered to be a player on the fringes of a roster spot. At this rate, the A’s might not have a choice.

A scorching spring continued for Andujar, who homered twice off left-hander Patrick Sandoval in Wednesday’s 12-5 A’s victory over the Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Through seven Cactus League games, Andujar is 8-for-19 (.421) with a 1.187 OPS.

Andujar, who was claimed off waivers from the Pirates in November, is a player the A’s have kept tabs on dating back to his days with the Yankees. They were intrigued by his bat, which has been on full display this spring as he’s collected at least one hit in six of his first seven games played.

“He came into camp being new to the club and kind of getting his feet on the ground,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. “Understanding that he has to perform, he’s done everything really well.”

Andujar was excited to learn he had been claimed by the A’s. Having spent most of 2023 at Triple-A Indianapolis, where he slashed .338/.404/.536 with 16 homers, 30 doubles and 86 RBIs, the 29-year-old figures to get more of a look in the Majors with Oakland.

“I was happy when I found out I was coming over here,” Andujar said in Spanish. “There's a lot of young talent mixed in with some veterans. I’m proud to be a part of this team.”

Andujar got some extra work in the Dominican Winter League to get ahead of the curve this offseason. He appeared in 31 games for Tigres de Licey and hit .306 with a .749 OPS.

“That helped a lot because in the Dominican, you face different types of pitchers every week,” Andujar said. “It’s a very competitive league. I was seeing good results over there, and now we’re seeing them [in Spring Training], which I’m happy about.”

Part of a crowded outfield mix that includes Lawrence Butler, JJ Bleday, Esteury Ruiz and Seth Brown, as well as designated hitter Brent Rooker, a decision on Andujar may come down to roster construction. Should the A’s decide to include five outfielders on the Opening Day roster in addition to Rooker, Andujar is likely part of that mix.

One thing working in Andujar’s favor is his versatility, as he has logged time this spring at both corner outfield spots in addition to first base. There’s also a track record of success -- Andujar is a career .270 hitter with a .751 OPS in seven Major League seasons.

Asked whether Andujar is solidified as part of the club’s outfield mix, Kotsay said, “Right now he is. The at-bats have all been great. He’s working counts and taking pitches, just doing everything that we’ve asked. So far, it looks good.”

Boyle’s rotation case strengthens
The battle for the A’s final rotation spot gained a bit of clarity on Wednesday morning when the club learned one of its candidates, Luis Medina, will miss the start of the season due to a Grade 2 MCL sprain.

Joe Boyle, another pitcher in that rotation mix, helped his case in his third Cactus League start. The right-hander held the Halos hitless over three innings, allowing one run on three walks with three strikeouts.

Though his command was off compared to his first two outings in which he issued no walks over 5 1/3 innings with just one earned run allowed, Boyle was pleased with his ability to work around trouble. He limited the damage to one run in the second after beginning the frame with back-to-back walks.

“It’s good when you cruise and you’re efficient, but it’s also good when you manufacture problems and work out of it,” Boyle said. “It’s all a chance to be able to adapt to different environments and different situations. That second inning was probably the most consecutive pitches I’ve thrown this spring, so I think it was good to get there and get used to that.”

Boyle’s outing was highlighted by a strikeout of Mike Trout on the new sweeper he’s adding to his pitch repertoire this season. After reaching a full count against the three-time MVP, Boyle unleashed a sweeping slider down and away that produced a half-hearted swing from Trout to end the frame.

“I’m feeling a lot more confident with it,” Boyle said of his sweeper. “Just getting the grip consistently in my glove is kind of the big thing. That’s probably the last hurdle I need to get over with that pitch. Now, it’s just a matter of getting reps with it.”