Ex-A's DH Davis opens up about playing 2020 with ‘heavy heart'

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A’s general manager David Forst described the trade that sent designated hitter Khris Davis to the Texas Rangers for two-time All-Star shortstop Elvis Andrus on Saturday as a "tough call to make."

It appears it was just as tough for Davis, as he spoke to local writers in Texas on Tuesday.

“This [trade] feels right,” Davis said. “Inside, I feel like it’s a new beginning and to get right.”

Davis, who spent the last five seasons with the A’s, was asked what “getting right” meant.

“To lead the league in home runs,” Davis said. “Nothing is better. I know what I’m here to do.”

Davis is no stranger to that. In 2018, he had an MLB-best 48 home runs by the season’s end.

His dip in 2019 had a lot to do with an oblique injury that he wasn’t too vocal about, but the rest of the team and manager Bob Melvin knew it bothered Davis more than he openly would say. That’s Davis though -- he’s quiet, but loyal.

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Davis also talked about how he performed in 2020. He hit .200/.303/.329 with 17 hits and just two home runs. With so much going on in the world -- a global pandemic, social injustice issues, doubleheaders, a weather delay that caused a postponement -- it appeared he knew his performance would face a setback.

There was a lot that went into it, Davis said, and it was difficult. 

“It was hard to go out there with a heavy heart when you are so sad about what’s going on in the world,” Davis said. “I play with a big heart. It was a very cold year.”

RELATED: A's GM Forst says Davis trade wasn't 'easy call to make'

The trade also sent catcher Jonah Heim and right-handed pitcher Dane Acker to the Rangers. The A’s received catcher Aramis Garcia and cash considerations, along with Andrus.

Forst said Saturday that even though he can't fully root for Davis in 19 games of the 2021 season (when the A’s and Rangers play one another), he always will be cheering for Davis.

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