The scream let out by A’s starting pitcher Cole Irvin was an indication of just how stellar the play was.
In the top of the fourth inning of the A's against the Houston Astros on Saturday, new Oakland shortstop Elvis Andrus made an incredible diving play on a grounder by Houston catcher Martin Maldonado, and it was a chef’s kiss.
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Andrus made the play right next to two-time Platinum Glove Award winner Matt Chapman.
Andrus made the play while the NBC Sports California broadcast was talking about Marcus Semien, the A’s former shortstop who signed with the Toronto Blue Jays in free agency this winter.
Andrus was acquired by the A’s on Feb. 6 in a trade with the Texas Rangers that sent designated hitter Khris Davis to the Lone Star State. Andrus had spent the entirety of his 12-year career with the Rangers so it was a big change, but admitted he had plenty of exposure to the A’s having spent those seasons facing them in the AL West.
Andrus is looking to rejuvenate his career with the A’s. He said he lost some weight and worked on both aspects of the game, and the diving stop shows he’s exactly what the A’s wanted when they acquired him.
Oakland Athletics
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A’s manager Bob Melvin said he was impressed with Andrus at the beginning of spring, which isn’t too surprising -- the two have known one another for over a decade.
The two-time AL All-Star fit in with Oakland almost immediately. He has a fun vibe and when he’s healthy, he is a great contributor to any team. Melvin wants to make sure Andrus was healthy heading into Opening Day, and it appears he’s certainly that.