Tom makes strong case for outfield spot

Ka'ai Tom rarely uses his other first name, Blaze, when introducing himself. But that lesser-used moniker is an apt description for his recent performance at the plate.

Tom, who was acquired by the A¡¯s in the Rule 5 Draft during the offseason, continued making his case for a spot on the Opening Day roster in Monday¡¯s 4-4 tie with the D-backs at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Ariz. The outfielder roped a two-run triple to right field as part of a 1-for-2 day that also included a walk.

¡°This is what we¡¯ve been waiting for,¡± manager Bob Melvin said. ¡°When you draft a guy in the Rule 5 Draft, it means your intent is to keep him. He¡¯s doing exactly what he is profiled to do, so he¡¯ll get more at-bats and chances to impress."

The odds were increasingly stacking up against Tom early in spring camp after his delayed participation in games due to an oblique injury. Since making his Cactus League debut on March 15, Tom has been on a tear, now 8-for-16 (.500) with a home run, triple, double and five RBIs in five games.

Needing to make the A¡¯s Opening Day 26-man roster and remain there all season or else be offered back to his original club -- the Indians, for $50,000 -- Tom has now pushed himself to the top of a battle for the fourth outfielder spot on the bench. Also in that competition is Seth Brown, who hit .275 in 33 games with the A¡¯s over the previous two seasons.

Though both are left-handed hitters, Tom¡¯s ability to play all three outfield spots has always made him an ideal complement to the A¡¯s current outfield situation. Now healthy and demonstrating his athleticism and ability to hit the ball to all fields in camp, Tom certainly has the attention of the big league staff.

¡°His approach is similar to what we profile here,¡± Melvin said. ¡°A guy that can take a walk, make a pitcher work deep counts, and can drive balls.

¡°This is a big time in his career. He¡¯s trying to stick on a Major League team, and so far, he¡¯s doing a pretty nice job with it.¡±

Puk searching for command

Though A.J. Puk -- ranked as Oakland¡¯s No. 2 prospect by MLB Pipeline -- has suddenly emerged as an enticing candidate to begin the regular season in the starting rotation as Mike Fiers deals with hip inflammation. Monday¡¯s game provided a reminder that Puk is still working himself back from left shoulder surgery last September.

Entering in relief to begin the sixth, Puk gave up three runs on three hits with two walks and a strikeout in 1 2/3 innings. His fastball sat around 92-93 mph, which is below the 97.1 mph he averaged in 2019, according to Statcast. But more of a concern for Melvin were the command issues shown from the 25-year-old lefty.

¡°He was missing by, at times, a wide margin, whether it was with his breaking ball or fastball,¡± Melvin said. ¡°It was only his second time out, but he needs to command it a little bit better. As far as velocity, it is what it is. We¡¯ll see if that ticks up a little bit. The most concerning thing for me today was, at times, him missing by a large margin.¡±

Puk is among a few options the A¡¯s would consider to take Fiers¡¯ spot in the rotation. Right-hander Daulton Jefferies, who is ranked as the team's No. 4 prospect, and left-hander Cole Irvin are also in the mix.

Laureano, Piscotty nearing returns

Ram¨®n Laureano, who has been out since March 16 with left side soreness, took part in a simulated game at the A¡¯s Spring Training facility on Monday. Melvin said he expects the outfielder to return to playing in games on Tuesday or Wednesday.

¡°We want to get him some at-bats here,¡± Melvin said. ¡°We have basically a week left, so hopefully, with seven of these games to go, he¡¯s back in there. This is the point in spring where you¡¯re feeling a bunch of at-bats and trying to get your swing down. We¡¯re still OK with him as long as we can get him in there tomorrow or the next day.¡±

Stephen Piscotty, who was scratched from Friday¡¯s lineup with left wrist soreness, is expected to be in Tuesday¡¯s lineup against the Rockies.

Up next

Jefferies makes his fifth spring appearance and third start when the A's host the Rockies at 1:05 p.m. PT on Tuesday at Hohokam Stadium. Left-hander Kyle Freeland starts for Colorado.