PEORIA, Ariz. — It’s a crowded competition among the A’s outfield roster hopefuls, and several factored into the storyline of Sunday’s victory over Seattle.
Jaycob Brugman tripled in the fifth inning and Alejandro De Aza drove him home with a ground-rule double to help the A’s to a 5-4 win over the Mariners. Both have impressed so far in camp, and they’re vying for a reserve outfield spot that once seemed destined to go to Jake Smolinski.
Sidetracked thus far by a sore right shoulder, Smolinski made his Cactus League debut Sunday with a start at designated hitter, going 0-for-2.