The Athletics' 2023 MLB season should allow young players to break through and earn playing time. Although Oakland's seven-game road trip (1-6) didn't go as planned, outfielder Brent Rooker was one of the bright spots.
Rooker went 2-for-4 in the A's 8-7 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday afternoon at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Additionally, Rooker hit two home runs, one off former Oakland starting pitcher Cole Irvin, for a five-RBI performance.
The 28-year-old has three straight multi-hit games and is making a serious case to be a regular starter for Oakland if he can continue this production, especially with Seth Brown out with an oblique injury.
"You know, it was a great game," A's manager Mark Kotsay told reporters postgame. "You know, Rook is really seeing the ball well right now, and, you know, his confidence is there and he's not missing mistakes and doing damage."
While Rooker has had a good week for the A's, the outfielder credits what he did away from the field for what led to his recent success after receiving irregular playing time to begin the season.
"I feel really good," Rooker told reporters postgame. "I kind of went through four or five days running, getting a lot of bats. So they were putting a lot of work in the cage and a couple of small tweaks to my swing and set up and things, and it's put me in a good position. So I'm feeling good and just want to keep growing."
Athletics
Find the latest Athletics news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
Rooker was not the only hitter to produce offense in the A's loss, as Esteury Ruiz chipped in with a 3-for-4 day at the plate and two RBI against the Orioles. Nonetheless, the two players couldn't help Oakland end their road trip on a positive note.
RELATED: Mark Kotsay seeing positive signs from Shea Langeliers after big home run
Kotsay and Co. will return to the Bay Area and look to turn the page as they welcome the New York Mets for a three-game series starting Friday at the Oakland Coliseum.
The Mets are 3-4 away from Citi Field and just dropped two of three in their series against the San Diego Padres. James Kaprielian will take the mound for the A's; meanwhile, Kodai Senga grabs the ball for New York.