Elephant Rumblings: Nevin off to hot start

MLB news roundup

Happy Tuesday everyone!

There wasn’t much fanfare when the A’s announced that they had claimed Tyler Nevin off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. He had struggled over his first few tries at the big leagues even though he’s generally hit well in the upper minor leagues. This wasn’t the buy-low candidate that people thought would break out.

And it’s still early to call this a breakout. But it’s something. Nevin is slashing .301/.350/.452 in his first 80 plate appearances with a couple home runs. Yes, small sample, but is there some staying power to Nevin’s hot start with the A’s?

A former first round pick by the Rockies, Nevin has always hit well, making high contact while keeping the strikeouts way down compared to many other prospects. The power isn’t going to wow anyone but he’s always gotten at least into the double digits as far as the long ball goes. And while he’s appeared in the majors over the past three seasons, he hasn’t really been given an everyday shot at playing time. That’s quickly changing here with the A’s as Nevin is quietly playing himself into a regular role. It’ll be interesting to see how and if his role changes when the team gets healthier, but Nevin’s name should be a constant in the lineup for the next few weeks. Time will tell if his hot start is for real, or just a flash in the pan.

A’s Coverage:

• Offense shows up as Athletics top Pirates 5-1
• A’s fans protest moves to Sacramento at River Cats game
• Having overcome odds, Bethel Park’s Mason Miller grateful to pitch against Pirates

MLB News & Interest:

• Mets’ Senga faces hitters for first time since surgery
• Jesus Luzardo diagnosed with mild flexor muscle strain
• Twins activate Carlos Correa
• MLB to address uniforms after player complaints
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

The bullpen is on a streak:

Don’t fall behind late on this team:

Awesome sentiment from the starting catcher: