Olson uses balance to fuel hot spring

TEMPE, Ariz. — Holding a postgame video call with reporters Saturday, A’s pitching coach

Scott Emerson was asked how he’d advise a pitcher to approach

Matt Olson right now.

“Try to get him before he gets off the bus,” Emerson said.

Olson continued his Cactus League tear with three hits against the Angels in an 112 win. He hit his fifth home run, a drive to rightcenter that caromed off a palm tree, and is batting .406 in 12 spring games. Nine of his 13 hits are for extra bases.

The promise that offers is evident. Olson spent the offseason working on issues with his swing after he said he “stunk” in 2020. He’s also a typically quiet hitter in spring. Cactus League stats are just that, but Olson’s previous high for home runs in a spring training was two.

Emerson doesn’t coach hitters but studies opposing ones for holes and so offered a different perspective on Olson.

“I look at a lot of swings doing advance scouting stuff and when you see a guy as balanced as he’s been that’s when you start really getting nervous as a pitching coach on the other side,” Emerson said. “Nothing’s fooling him.

“He’s always been a patient hitter and looking for strikes. But so far our hitting coach

Darren Bush has him where he looks just so balanced. He’s not out in front, he’s not waving at stuff. He’s on time.”

Bush has detailed some of Olson’s offseason fixes. Olson worked to keep his body centered to get his hands out front and through the strike zone. He also adjusted where he holds the bat in his setup to create a better path through the zone.

Olson hit .195 in the short 2020 season but had a careerbest 13.9% walk rate that indicated he was seeing the ball well. He is 13for32 this spring. Saturday, he lined an RBI double to right field off a righthander and an oppositefield RBI single against a lefthander.

“A healthy Olson is frightening for the league,” A’s starter

Chris Bassitt said. “I think we’re all very, very excited to see what he can do this year.” Chad Pinder had three hits Saturday, including a home run, and is 11for20 in his past nine spring games after an 0for10 start. Elvis Andrus also had three hits and catcher Sean Murphy hit his first home run this spring. Rule 5 outfielder

Ka’ai Tom, vying for a roster spot, had two hits. Pinder has started games at six positions including DH. Manager Bob Melvin was asked pregame if the A’s have a plan to get Pinder consistent atbats during the season. “Regardless of whether or not he starts a game, he could show up in that game,” Melvin said. “I haven’t sat down with the front office and talked about how we’re deploying things.” Bassitt pitched 32⁄3 scoreless innings and allowed one hit when David Fletcher spoiled a twostrike pitch for a double. “I was kind of wild today,” said Bassitt, who struck out five and walked two. “My pitches weren’t the best locationwise but my stuff was good. I guess if I’m going to pick, I’d rather have my stuff than be hitting spots, so I think we’re OK.” Third baseman Matt Chapman robbed Justin Upton of a single with a diving play to his left. Said Bassitt: “I thought for sure that was a base hit. Then I see Chapman laying out and I was like, ‘My gosh.’ ” Center fielder Ramón Laureano (side) might play Monday after being sidelined for several days, Melvin said. Right fielder Stephen Piscotty, who had a cortisone shot for a sore left wrist, will also be evaluated Monday. Emerson shared his nickname for the slow, looping curveball that Bassitt throws: “I call it ‘Mr. Bloopy.’ ”