The Oakland Athletics opened the season with Trevor Plouffe at third base. Matt Chapman, meanwhile, opened the year with the A’s Triple-A affiliate in Nashville.
Plouffe was acquired in the offseason in an effort to revamp the team’s clubhouse. The A’s were also confident in Plouffe’s ability to handle third and provide plenty of offense.
Billy Beane and David Forst’s gamble on Plouffe did not pay off. Early struggles in April and May ultimately led to Plouffe’s exit from Oakland. The A’s designated Plouffe for assignment in June and opened the door for Chapman.