Darell Hernaiz has Path to Oakland A’s Opening Day Roster

Darell Hernaiz, who was traded for Cole Irvin last winter, might be prepared to make his Oakland debut.

Whether Darell Hernaiz will be on the Opening Day roster is one of the more intriguing concerns surrounding the A’s this spring. After joining the team in the Cole Irvin trade with Baltimore, the 22-year-old had an excellent rookie campaign, hitting a combined.321 with a.386 OBP and nine home runs between Double-A Midland and Triple-A Las Vegas.

It appeared like he would be competing with Nick Allen for the starting shortstop position when spring training got underway, but A’s general manager David Forst told A’s Cast last week that “I think Nick has sort of the upper hand in that battle right now.” He is deserving of being there.”

Hernaiz’s chance to be evaluated in Oakland at the start of the season was somewhat derailed because Forst is a key player in the decision-making process about the squad.

Aledmys Díaz, nevertheless, will be out for two to three weeks because of a strained groin. Manager Mark Kotsay responded to reporters when they asked if Díaz will play in games before the end of camp, saying, “That’s probably optimistic.”

So third base is wide open, and Hernaiz has been getting a look there in camp.

While Abraham Toro seemed like the favorite to get the first look at third to begin the year, with Díaz going down, Toro’s best use may be as a bit of a utility player, similar to how Díaz was used last season. If he’s moving around the field, then third base will need a caretaker.