The Athletics' last few games of the 2022 MLB season present a key opportunity for players looking to audition for a spot on the roster next season.
There still are some positives for the A's, one of which presented itself in Tuesday night's 8-7 walk-off loss to the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field.
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First baseman Dermis Garcia was responsible for four of Oakland's runs, including a three-run home run that nearly reached the upper deck. The 24-year-old finished the game with two hits and four RBI.
The production by Garcia in limited action hasn't gone unnoticed by A's manager Mark Kotsay, who acknowledges the changes that the young slugger has made since being called up in early July.
"Since he's been back, we felt he's made some adjustments," Kotsay told reporters after the game. "And the inconsistent playing time obviously leads to some swing manipulation at times.
"But I thought his bats today were great, and it really stayed through the baseball. It was short to it, and the results were there."
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At 24, Garcia can be a key part of the A's next core of everyday players and brings plenty of power that any team would want in the middle of their order.
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Oakland continues to identify the roles that various players on the current roster can occupy for the following season and Garcia could establish himself as a future key contributor should he finish this season on a positive note.