Billy Burns is having a classic sophomore slump.
The A’s center fielder had an unexpected breakout season in 2015, a year when the A’s were figuring him for spending most of the season at Triple-A. Forced into duty with Coco Crisp hurting, Burns played in 125 games, averaged .294, led the league in infield hits, had a .370 on-base percentage and led the A’s with 26 steals.
This time around his average is at .236, his on-base percentage is a paltry .306 and he’s out of the lineup more than expected – Thursday night in Minute Maid Park was his 20th non-start in 86 games.