As the A’s move into “buyers” mode with a sharp eye on catching Seattle and claiming a post-season spot, they will need to be shrewd about how they construct a 25-man roster. The DFA of Santiago Casilla signaled that no longer can Oakland keep players on the roster for any reason other than they will help the team’s chances of catching the Mariners.
One dilemma facing the A’s soon is that of Matt Joyce, the LH batting outfielder currently on the DL. Joyce has had a rough season overall but was a significant contributor last season and has value to a team short on left-handed bats.