SEATTLE — The word “destiny” is thrown around way too often in sports. But when trying to comprehend the story of the 2018 A’s, you can’t help using the word.
How else to explain it?
The A’s officially clinched a playoff spot Monday just as their game against the Mariners got underway after the Tampa Bay Rays were officially eliminated from contention following a 4-1 loss to the New York Yankees, marking the A’s first trip to the playoffs since 2014.
It makes no sense that a team expected to finish around .500 if everything went its way is headed to the playoffs despite having had everything go against them.