MESA, Ariz. — Over the years, A’s manager Bob Melvin has noticed a trend among some hitters in baseball.
“Some guys don’t like to hit leadoff,” he said.
Not newly signed Oakland outfielder Robbie Grossman, a disciplined switch-hitter with a career .355 on-base percentage.
“He has no problem with it,” Melvin said.
Grossman is eager to lead off this season for the A’s, who signed him to a one-year deal last month.
“I’m glad to be back in that spot,” Grossman said. “I enjoy it.”
Melvin hopes Grossman can provide some stability in the role to give Matt Chapman, Khris Davis and Oakland’s other middle-of-the-order hitters a chance to drive him home.