Canha provides pop when Davis takes a seat
ANAHEIM >> Khris Davis remained out of the starting lineup for the second consecutive game because of a left hand contusion, but the A’s had reliable replacement in Mark Canha.
Canha filled Davis’ designated hitter role once again Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels while also moving into his No. 4 spot in the batting order for the third game of the A’s four-game series at Angel Stadium.
Heading into Saturday’s game, Canha had hit six of his 11 home runs in the 12 games he served as DH this season, including a two-run homer in a 7-2 win against the Angels on Friday night.
“It’s not an easy thing to do, especially for a guy that’s used to being out in the field,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said of Canha’s irregular stints as the DH. “He’s found a way to be productive and doing it in a non-everyday role.”
Davis, who led the majors with 49 home runs last season, was hit by a pitch on the left hand in the seventh inning of an 8-3 loss to the Angels on Thursday. He came to the clubhouse Saturday afternoon hoping to get back in the lineup, but when he grabbed a bat Melvin could sense his discomfort still lingered.
Davis would have been a nice addition to Saturday’s lineup; he’s 9 for 21 in his career against Angels starter Tyler Skaggs, with two doubles and four home runs.
“It’s literally a day-today proposition,” Melvin said of Davis’ status. “If it’s not (today), then we’ve got the off-day (Monday) and, hopefully, it’s the day after that, but we’ll see how he comes in (today).”
Canha has been exceeding expectations ever since the A’s acquired him in a trade with the Colorado Rockies on the final day of the Winter Meetings before the 2015 season. Melvin remembers seeing Canha’s elongated swing for the first time and thinking he wouldn’t last long against major league pitching.
Canha ended up leading the A’s in home runs that spring, while also leading the majors in strikeouts. He hit 16 home runs for Oakland in the regular season and led all American League rookies with 70
RBIS in 2015.
“It’s been a process to get to this point,” Melvin said of Canha. “He’s made some adjustments. He’s shortened his swing some, but the power’s still there.”
• A’s closer Blake Treinen threw a short bullpen session Saturday and Melvin said they hope to get him in a rehab game Monday before possibly activating him Wednesday. Melvin said he got a close-up view of Treinen’s 31-pitch session and was comforted by his velocity and easy delivery.
“I know he was comfortable and felt good today,” Melvin said.
Treinen went on the injured list last Sunday, retroactive to June 21, with a strained right shoulder. Treinen, who will turn 31 today, made his first Allstar team last season when he went 9-2 with 38 saves in 43 opportunities and a 0.78 ERA, becoming the first pitcher in MLB history to post an ERA under 1.00, at least 30 saves and 100 strikeouts in a season.
He’s 2-2 this season with 16 saves in 18 opportunities and a 4.08 ERA.