SEATTLE — Danny Valencia was a late scratch from the A’s lineup Friday night with neck soreness, as Matt Olson was inserted into right field in his place.
That left Oakland without one of its hottest hitters at a time when the team is struggling to mount some consistent offense. Valencia entered Friday hitting .326 (14-for-43) over his past 12 games, a time during which he’s logged starts at right field, left field and first base.
Manager Bob Melvin said he wasn’t sure whether Valencia would be available off the bench. As for Olson, he’ll be making to look a strong final impression with the major league staff this weekend after receiving his first call-up Sept.