Three Key Storylines for the Athletics in May

The Athletics have surprised many with their strong start to the season, currently sitting atop their division with a 17-14 record and a one-and-a-half game lead over the Seattle Mariners. April unfolded better than expected for the A’s, as they now boast the third-best record in Major League Baseball. Despite navigating a challenging early schedule filled with road games, the team can look forward to a more favorable home slate as the season progresses, which should benefit them as fatigue sets in later on.

As we step into May, the challenges are set to increase. With the A’s now a target for division rivals, teams will no longer waltz into Sacramento expecting easy victories. This year’s squad exhibits a scrappy determination that sets them apart from the last two seasons. However, several key questions loom as the month unfolds.

1. Assessing Jacob Lopez’s Role

Jacob Lopez entered spring training with little to prove but his health, following a solid rookie season in which he posted a 4.07 ERA over 21 games. His emergence helped solidify a rotation that desperately needed depth, making him a valuable addition in a trade that also brought Jeffrey Springs to Oakland. However, this season has not started as planned for Lopez. His position in the rotation is less secure than anticipated, with only veterans Severino, Springs, and Civale holding guaranteed spots.

Lopez’s struggles have been evident, as he currently carries a 5.84 ERA with more walks (21) than strikeouts (18). After ending last season on the injured list with a flexor strain in his pitching elbow, concerns linger about his recovery. Scheduled to pitch against Cleveland on Saturday, Lopez faces a critical moment to reclaim his spot in the starting rotation, especially with promising performances from younger arms like Mason Barnett in Triple-A.

2. Denzel Clarke’s Return

Denzel Clarke, a talented center fielder, is known for his exceptional defensive skills, making him a candidate for a Gold Glove if given enough playing time. However, his offensive struggles have been troubling. Hitting just .170 with a 24/4 K/BB ratio this season, Clarke’s performance has deteriorated significantly, making him 84% worse than league average. This is a stark contrast to his promise shown in the upper minors and raises questions about his readiness for the big leagues.

As Clarke recovers from injury, the Athletics must consider whether to reinstate him immediately or allow him to work on his batting in Triple-A. His current form is not what the team envisioned when they handed him the center field job at the start of the season, and finding a solution for his offensive woes is crucial for the team’s success moving forward.

3. The Closer Situation

Right-handed reliever Joel Kuhnel has taken on the bulk of save opportunities since his promotion on April 7th, successfully converting all four chances while posting a 2.70 ERA. This unexpected development has been a bright spot for the bullpen, as Kuhnel, who joined the A’s on a minor league deal, has seized his moment after years of bouncing around the league. However, his recent outing against the Royals raised some eyebrows as he allowed a run, prompting manager Mark Kotsay to turn to Mark Leiter Jr. for the save.

The A’s face uncertainty regarding their closer role as they navigate the month ahead. Will Kuhnel maintain his position, or will the closer’s spot become a revolving door? Establishing defined roles in the bullpen is essential for success, especially in high-pressure situations. As the team looks to solidify their late-game strategy, the hope is to find a reliable closer sooner rather than later.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.