OCTOBER 8: Apparently, the A’s dodged a bullet. La Stella’s back in the lineup, hitting second and playing second base, for today’s must-win Game 4.
OCTOBER 7: The Athletics staved off elimination in this afternoon’s ALDS Game 3 against the division-rival Astros. That didn’t come without a potentially big loss though, as second baseman Tommy La Stella exited the game in the eighth inning (via Martín Gallegos of MLB.com). The left-handed hitter took a Brooks Raley fastball off his right arm and was immediately replaced by utilityman Nate Orf (relays Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle). La Stella suffered a right elbow contusion, Melvin told reporters (Slusser link). Fortunately, x-rays came back negative, Slusser adds.
Oakland has alternatives at the keystone if need be, but none are likely to match La Stella’s level of production. Between the Angels and A’s, the 31-year-old combined for a very strong .281/.370/.449 line with five home runs this season. Orf, a 30-year-old with just 32 career MLB plate appearances, would probably be miscast as an everyday player. Manager Bob Melvin could turn to the left-handed hitting Tony Kemp or right-handed Chad Pinder, both of whom are also on Oakland’s ALDS roster. Pinder has started each of the last two games at third base, though, so turning to him would push Jake Lamb into everyday duty at the hot corner.
julyn82001
Hopefully, Tommy is OK! Oakland surely needs him… Go A’s!!!
ABCD
Yes, we need to see Tommy launch another HR against the Astros tomorrow.
jessaumodesto
The state of the A’s can be summed up with “we need Tommy Lastella in the line up”.
JesusLizard44
Obviously he’s nice to have in the lineup but didn’t need him during the first 3 game series when we swept the trash, ye of no faith.
5TUNT1N
Don’t forget we need our bullpen to act like it’s the regular season! Go Oakland!
GreenWood Porter
In their 3 postseason losses the A’s have been outscored 19-8.
In their 3 wins the A’s have outscored their opponents 20-14.
imindless
Rockets have been so bad that this dude is really on mlb forum talking about runs scored….I’d really be interested on how you could be proud to be a fan of a team as low quality as the Astros. But then again you also think harden is the goat so not truly surprising.
steven st croix
Houston Rockets in the playoffs = Dodgers in the playoffs.
Asfan0780
Astros pitchers have hit 8 A’s batters this season. Whether it’s just mistakes from inexperienced pitchers, possibly.
Halo11Fan
If the Angels were going to trade La Stella, they should have gotten a bullpen arm. If they couldn’t get a bullpen arm, they should have kept him.
Asfan0780
No reason to keep him, even though he was a pending free agent and angels out of contention?
Halo11Fan
The Angels were playing meaningful games up until the last three games of the year and Rengifo is awful. LaStella 127 OPS+, Rengifo 33.
So yeah, there was a reason to keep him.
I have no idea why Angel fans like Rengifo.
Asfan0780
23 years old, hit well in upper minors in 2018 and 2019 despite being young for those leagues. Had injuries and not many extended chances. His situation is actually a lot like baretto had with Oakland, although baretto previous prospect pedigree was much higher ranked in past
Halo11Fan
Do you watch Regnifo? He has a VERY loud glove and he swings at the baseball like he’s Reggie Jackson.
He’s 23 and has the holes of an 18 year old.
I don’t know why Angel fans like him.
layventsky
They also have Jahmai Jones in the organization. Not sure what his outlook is, but in any case, the Angels had options other than keeping La Stella and getting nothing for him when he becomes a free agent.
Halo11Fan
And again, the Angels played meaningful games up unit the last three games of year and LeStella over Rengifo would have made some difference.
If they were going to trade LeStella, they should have gotten a bullpen arm. And if they didn’t get a bullpen arm, they should have rolled the dice with him.
prov356
For sure 11. Beyond a BP arm, they should have only traded La Stella if Simmons was extended. Rengifo is not the answer. It doesn’t matter what he batted in the high minors as 0780 mentioned. Now we have a gaping hole up the middle to deal with instead of focusing solely on pitching.
Lloyd Emerson
LA STELLLLLLLLLLA!!!
The Human Rain Delay
Jake Lamb is never the answer
chitowninwi
It’ll be nice next year when he’s back in Cubby Blue !! Get well buddy