Fowler, 4 others optioned to Triple-A

A's to go with Powell, Smolinski in center

March 28th, 2018

OAKLAND -- The A's have opted to send to Triple-A Nashville and go with as the left-handed complement to their center-field platoon to begin the season.
The move was expected and allows Fowler, who missed most of last season recovering from right knee surgery, the benefit of additional game action without the pressure of performing at the big league level.
Jake Smolinski, who won the final bench spot, will share center-field duties with Powell.
The A's stuck to their word and went with an eight-man bullpen: veteran right-hander made the cut over long-relief options Frankie Montas and , who cleared waivers and was outrighted to Nashville.
The full roster below:
Catcher (2): The A's deviated from their original plan to have and Josh Phegley form a platoon when became available to them. Lucroy was signed to a one-year, $6.5 million deal on March 12, and he steps in as the everyday catcher. Maxwell will back him up, while Phegley nurses two broken fingers on the disabled list.
First base (1): Budding star will man first base on Opening Day, readying to build on a remarkable rookie showing that featured 24 home runs in 59 games.
Second base (1): is set to return for his 11th big league season and third consecutive as the A's second baseman. The organization's top position prospect, , enjoyed a productive spring and will wait his turn in Triple-A.
Third base (1): Though the alarm sounded when underwent an MRI on his sore right hand before games even started, the third baseman has health back on his side and will be at the hot corner on Opening Day.
Shortstop (1):, who was slowed by right wrist surgery last year, is fully healthy as he enters another season as the A's starting shortstop.
Designated hitter (1): has continued to clock time in the outfield this spring, but he'll primarily be at DH when the regular season begins.
Utility (1): is expected to platoon with Matt Joyce in left field, but he'll also be asked to spell the infielders at times.
Outfield (4): It's in right field, with Joyce and Pinder sharing time in left while sandwiching the Powell-Smolinski center-field duo. , who was in battle with Smolinski for the final bench job, had a fantastic spring and will surely be back up at some point this year.

Rotation (5): The A's starting staff was riddled with injuries this spring, leaving just five healthy arms by camp's end: , , , and are in line to start the first five games of the season. Veteran , a late sign, has been optioned to Triple-A in order to build up his innings but could be available to the A's in about two weeks.
Bullpen (8): Closer is joined by Chris Hatcher, , , , Daniel Coulombe, and Casilla.