OAKLAND -- On June 5, 2008, the New York Yankees used their fourth-round draft pick to select a 19-year-old infielder from Tennessee named Corban Joseph.
Now, more than 11 years later, Joseph's career comes full circle as he faces those same Yankees as a member of the Oakland A's.
"It's pretty cool to be on the other side," Joseph told NBC Sports California. "I know a lot of people over there. It will be good to catch up with them."
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Joseph's professional career hasn't gone exactly as he had planned. He made his major-league debut with the Yankees in 2013, but only got to play in two games, a double-header against the Indians. He went 1-for-6 with a double and a walk before being optioned right back down to Triple-A.
Joseph wouldn't get another chance in the big leagues for five years. That came in 2018 as a member of the Baltimore Orioles. He went 4-for-18 with a double and three RBI, but he ultimately was sent back to the minors again.
He joined the A's organization this past offseason in the Rule 5 Draft. Despite leaving the Yankees' organization nearly five years ago, Joseph still has a couple of good friends on the team.
"Austin Romine was my roommate for years," Joseph noted. "I got to see him get a shot and do well. Brett Gardner treated me really well when I was up there. So seeing those two guys will put a smile on my face."
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The Yankees arrive in Oakland with a record of 83-43, the best in all of baseball. Of course, the A's also are right in the mix for a postseason berth. So while it will be fun for Joseph to see some familiar faces, he is well aware of what's at stake in this series.
"We're all competing," he said. "During the game, it's straight business. We're trying to win a ballgame."
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Since joining the A's, Joseph has started five straight games at second base, going 5-for-20 with a home run and two RBI. He's also given Oakland some defensive stability at second base.
"He's put together some really good at-bats," A's manager Bob Melvin said."He's been right in the middle of some wins for us right away. That just makes you feel that much more confident. ... It's been impressive to see. He's got a good stroke, he puts balls in play and doesn't try to do too much."