Harrison relishes chance to play in the postseason
ANAHEIM — Josh Harrison knew as MLB’s trade deadline approached that he had a good chance to be dealt. The veteran utilityman left for Nationals Park on Friday still uncertain but arrived to find himself part of the Nationals’ deadline selloff.
“I got to the stadium and got pulled into the office and (manager Davey Martinez) gave me the headsup, ‘You and Yan (Gomes) are probably going to head to Oakland,’ ” Harrison said.
A day later, Harrison and Gomes, the veteran catcher, were in A’s uniforms on the bench for a 10 loss in Anaheim. Oakland acquired the two players and cash from the Nationals for minorleague catcher Drew Millas and pitchers Richard Guasch and Seth Shuman, aiming to deepen their majorleague roster for a stretch run.
Harrison, 34, had been traded at midseason once before — in 2009, amid his first full season in the minors. He was in Aball and it did not involve a crosscountry move.
“This one felt like that on steroids, or whatever,” Harrison said.
“I’m excited. It’s been since 2015 since I’ve played meaningful baseball late in the season. So I’m six years removed from the playoffs and that’s all you can ask for is an opportunity to get there. Because the fate’s in your own hands once you get to the playoffs.”
Harrison brings versatility to the A’s. He has played mostly second base this year and in his 11 majorleague seasons. He also has nearly 2,000 career innings at third base and experience at the corner outfield spots and shortstop.
Harrison was also compiling a strong offensive season with the Nationals. In 90 games, he hit .294 with an .800 OPS that would be his secondhighest for a full season. The A’s could use an offensive boost as their .668 team OPS in July was secondlowest in the majors.
“I just enjoy playing — whether it’s one position or five positions,” Harrison said. “I feel anytime I’m out there I can help the team. I bring a different element. I’ve got enough experience at a lot of different spots so if guys need days, need to be spelled here, I’ve done it.”
Manager Bob Melvin said there isn’t a “science” to how the A’s will deploy Harrison: “We have a (15)game stretch coming up, and therefore, he’ll probably be giving a lot of guys days off and playing different positions.”
Harrison’s 13.9% strikeout rate ranked among the lowest 6% of hitters entering Sunday and his 7% walk rate is a careerhigh. He said he didn’t follow the A’s closely from the East Coast but his first impression was favorable.
“The highlights that you see, they play with energy, that’s right up my alley — I like to bring a little energy, have fun,” Harrison said. “And just my first day here (Saturday) they welcomed me. It was a nice welcome, and I feel like I’m going to fit in well here.”
“I’m excited. It’s been since 2015 since I’ve played meaningful baseball late in the season.”
Josh Harrison, new A’s utility man