New A’s reliever Hatcher looks to jump-start career
Former Dodgers reliever will use time with A’s as opportunity to get career back on track
OAKLAND » Talk about a change of scenery.
New A’s reliever Chris Hatcher has gone from a team on pace to win 115 games to one that sits deep in the cellar of the AL West.
The right-handed pitcher was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday for international signing money, moving from the best team in baseball to one of the worst.
A key piece to the Dodgers’ bullpen just a couple of years ago, Hatcher fell on rough times in June as he posted an 8.31 ERA for the month and eventually landed on the disabled list because of a back injury.
Hatcher is healthy now and looked good in five rehab appearances, but with the Dodgers fielding a thriving bullpen, Hatcher no longer had a spot on the team. While it was going to be nearly impossible for Hatcher to find innings in Los Angeles, that won’t be an issue in Oakland, where relievers are being shuffled into different roles.
“They got a lot of guys over there. I didn’t really pitch up to par, and they got a lot of guys throwing the ball well,” Hatcher said of the Dodgers. “It was probably a better move, careerwise, to get some innings and hopefully I can accomplish that over here and pitch well.”
While A’s manager Bob Melvin was unsure of the role he envisions for Hatcher, he was glad to be getting a pitcher who could potentially take over a leadership role similar to the ones held by pitchers Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson before they were traded earlier this season. Hatcher played for the Marlins from 2011-14 before being traded to the Dodgers.
“I know he’s pitched in significant roles before and known to be kind of a tough guy,” Melvin said. “He likes the tougher situations and has pitched deep in games. I hear he’s a pretty good inf luence in the clubhouse and has been through the wars. He’s pitched in meaningful games so it’s good to get another guy like that.”
Hatcher, 32, would be open to serving as a mentor to the younger pitchers but understands that he won’t gain respect just because of his age. He knows he needs to perform well as a newcomer.
“Guys aren’t just gonna look at you based on experience. You’ve gotta have something to back it up,” Hatcher said. “I’m the new guy here, and I might have more experience than a lot of these guys so hopefully I have something they can latch on to and something I can pass on.”
Although he no longer will get the chance to pitch for a World Series contender, that doesn’t matter to Hatcher as much as getting his career back on track. Like most ballplayers growing up, Hatcher dreamed of playing in the major leagues. Regardless of what team he’s playing for, he never takes that opportunity for granted.
“Was it nice playing for a team with the best record in baseball? Yeah, it was great,” Hatcher said. “This is still big league baseball and to get an opportunity to come and hopefully perform well, I’m still living the dream. It’s not like I’ve never been in this position before. Nothing against the Marlins, but I played with them when they were struggling. You just come out every day and grind it out.”
As for the role he would like to take on within the A’s bullpen, Hatcher has done it all and has no problems with however Melvin decides to use him.
“I’ve closed some games in the big leagues. I’ve been the first guy out of the pen. I’ve come on in the third inning,” Hatcher said. “I’ve kind of been the jack of all trades and master of none. When they call my name, I’ll be ready.”