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Ben Zobrist Should Stay In Middle Infield Upon Return to Oakland Athletics’ Lineup

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Infielder Ben Zobrist Oakland Athletics

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Athletics have had to place numerous players on the disabled list this season, including utility man Ben Zobrist. Zobrist was one of the better acquisitions the Athletics made this offseason, and it was a true disappointment to see him injured. However, upon his return, Oakland should forgo his utility man abilities and keep him in the middle infield because of the defensive issues the A’s have been experiencing.

The Athletics now have committed 42 errors in 39 games played, which is the most in the MLB by about 10 errors. The infield has made 29 of those errors. Additionally, rookie shortstop Marcus Semien has made 13 of those errors, which is the most on the team. The A’s infield needs defensive help, and that is where Zobrist comes in.

Even though Zobrist usually plays second base, he could cover shortstop from time to time to boost the A’s defense at that position. Additionally, he can also cover third since third baseman Brett Lawrie has committed the second-most errors on the team with six. No matter where they place Zobrist in the infield, it will be an upgrade defensively for the Athletics.

Zobrist is one of the veterans on the team. Last season, he only committed one error at shortstop in 31 games played and only six errors at second base in 79 games. He may have a slightly weaker arm than Semien, but his experience will surely help the A’s defense, especially when it comes to turning double plays, which Semien has struggled with.

With Zobrist back in the infield in addition to defensive superstar Eric Sogard, Oakland will see an improvement defensively. In the meantime, infield coach Mike Gallego should work with his players on their defensive skills. These Athletics may not be used to playing with each other quite yet since they are all new to the team, but practice will make perfect.

Samantha Riley is an Oakland Athletics writer for www.RantSports.com. You can follow her on twitter @Riless22.

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