Reduced roles for Danny Valencia, Coco Crisp as A’s turn toward youth
After following up three playoff appearances with a year and a half of disappointment and underperformance, the A’s are shaking things up and going young.
Some regulars - notably third baseman Danny Valencia and outfielder Coco Crisp - will see a reduction in playing time, as Oakland gets a look at the future: new third baseman Ryon Healy was called up Friday to make his major-league debut against the Blue Jays, while Jake Smolinski will take over much of the center-field chores after struggling second-year player Billy Burns was sent down.
“We’re in a position where we need to learn some things about some of these guys,” A’s general manager David Forst said of the infusion of younger players in the lineup.
The A’s entered the second half 15 ½ games out of first place, and they’re likely to soon deal their top starter, left-hander Rich Hill, so instead of trying to patchwork together some of their veterans and a few waiver claims or other stop-gap measures, they’re going to evaluate their own up-and-coming talent.
“It’s no secret I’ve been struggling defensively,” said Valencia, who said he’d been informed about his reduced playing time and was surprised by it; he’s batting .304 with 12 homers and 33 RBIs and has been Oakland’s cleanup hitter most of the year.
The A’s are expected to make some noise before the trade deadline, with Hill and outfielder Josh Reddick the likeliest targets for contenders (Reddick remains a potential qualifying-offer candidate).
[...] there isn’t believed to be much interest in Valencia, who has changed teams so many times that he is viewed as a clubhouse liability, nor is Crisp drawing much notice, in part because of his age and injury history and in part because of his 10-5 trade rights and his 2017 vesting option.
Healy, 24, said he is looking forward to working with infield coach Ron Washington - they’ve already had their first session - and he is expecting his parents, sisters, brother-in-law and girlfriend on hand for Friday’s game.