LAS VEGAS -- The Athletics have been searching for an offensive spark, and the return of Max Muncy might be able to provide that boost.
Ahead of Monday’s series opener against the Brewers at Las Vegas Ballpark, the A’s reinstated Muncy from the 10-day injured list. To clear a spot on the active roster, infielder Darell Hernaiz was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas.
Muncy was one of several sluggers in the lineup the A’s were counting on to help them live up to lofty preseason projections as one of the top offenses in MLB. Landing on the IL with a fractured left hand on April 28, Muncy rehabbed with Triple-A Las Vegas over the past couple of weeks and did not take long to shake off the rust, hitting .370 (10-for-27) with three home runs, two doubles and nine RBIs in seven rehab games.
“Max had a pretty good rehab stint,” manager Mark Kotsay said. “We felt the timing was right. He’s healthy and seems to be having consistent at-bats. His rhythm and timing is there.”
Kotsay pointed to the club’s rather pedestrian offensive production to this point, specifically the A’s 273 runs scored, which ranked 20th in MLB entering Monday, as something that has to improve. The return of Muncy, who was back in the starting lineup and batting fifth Monday, is one avenue the club hopes can help improve that area.
“As an offense, our expectation level is better than that,” Kotsay said. “We’re still searching for that success and that lineup that can produce those runs. I think Max will help with that. He helped with that before his injury with the slug that he can create, so we’re excited about having him back.”
Muncy was at third base on Monday. Going forward, however, Kotsay indicated the A’s infield could see somewhat of a rotation between Muncy, Zack Gelof, Jeff McNeil and Alika Williams. Muncy is versatile enough to play third, second and shortstop, while Gelof, who was at second on Monday, can play second, third and all three outfield spots.
“There’s an opportunity to really use the roster for our advantages,” Kotsay said. “In terms of just trying to create more runs.”