Lamb impresses quickly

In a span of eight days, Jake Lamb was designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks, signed with the A’s and clinched a playoff spot along with his new team Friday night.

“It’s been a little crazy, for sure,” Lamb said. “The DFA is one thing, and then coming to a team that’s pushing not just for a playoff spot but for a World Series championship — it was definitely a quick turnaround.” Lamb’s own turnaround has been just as abrupt. Before Arizona released him, Lamb was 5for43 this season with one extrabase hit (a double) and one RBI in 18 games. In five games since signing with the A’s on Monday, Lamb is 7for19 with two home runs, two doubles and five RBIs.

Lamb hit a tworun homer as part of the A’s fiverun seventh inning Saturday in a 60 win over the Giants. A night earlier, Lamb’s firstinning single gave their A’s their first run in another 60 win that clinched a playoff spot.

“Seems like every game he comes up with a key hit,” manager Bob Melvin said. “He’s made quite the impression very quickly.”

Or, as pitcher Chris Bassitt said of Lamb, “He’s been incredible for us. Big hit after big hit. Super athletic guy. I don’t know how we got him, honestly.

“I’ve heard other guys play with him, play against him, and say if he’s healthy he’s an AllStar. And, dang, does he look healthy. So I think we got a steal out of him, to say the least.”

Lamb was an AllStar in 2017, hitting 30 home runs with 105 RBIs. He played in just 152 games with Arizona the past twoplus seasons, though, batting .199 with 12 homers and 62 RBIs.

After losing Platinum Glove third baseman Matt Chapman to a seasonending hip injury, the A’s signed Lamb a day before the Sept. 15 cutoff for players to be eligible for postseason rosters.

“You can tell he’s super comfortable over there (at third) and just brings an extra piece into the lineup,” said first baseman Matt Olson. “Obviously missing Chappy is never ideal, but he’s done a great job since he’s come over.”

Lamb said he and Oakland’s

hitting coaches “have talked about a few things here, and already I can see the differences in my swing.” He also has stepped into their lineup right away after seeing more sporadic playing time in Arizona.

“Not that I wasn’t relaxed before, but it’s nice knowing that you’re going to be in the lineup and you’re going to be getting ABs,” Lamb said. “So, I definitely like that part.”

Melvin suggested Lamb might be “invigorated” by a change of scenery. Lamb said there is “motivation all over the place” in his situation. “The DFA and just how this year went for me is some of the most motivation I’ve ever had,” Lamb said. “And then to join these guys and, like I said, be pushing for a World Series, it’s all the motivation you need. I’m just trying to do my part.”

The A’s have benefited from contributions by recent pickups Lamb, Tommy La Stella and Mike Minor. After Lamb had two hits Wednesday against Colorado, closer Liam Hendriks said the bullpen has been “getting a little annoying for other bullpens, because every time Jake gets a hit, we go ‘Baaaa.’ ”

Lamb was goodnaturedly skeptical when asked about the practice Friday night.

“I didn’t hear any of that,” he said. “I’ve been asked nonstop about it — I’ve got my mom asking me about it. But, no, I haven’t heard it. So I think the bullpen’s all talk right now.

“If they’re doing it, they need to bring the noise.”