3 Players Who Won't Make Potential A's Postseason Roster

The Oakland Athletics are in great position to play in the AL Wild Card game for the second straight season. With a 1.5-game lead for the top Wild Card position, the A's may even play the game in their home park. Oakland will not be able to be as flexible with its roster manipulation in October as they would like, and some useful players may be left off the team's postseason roster.

1. RHP Daniel Mengden

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Mengden could have potentially replaced injured starter Mike Fiers on the roster for the one-gamer, with Sean Manaea taking his opportunity. However, it appears Fiers will return before that decision must be made. Additionally, top prospect Jesus Luzardo has looked electric in six innings this month, and manager Bob Melvin indicated that the A's might use him in October. That does not bode well for Mengden and his 4.91 ERA out of the 'pen.

2. 2B Jurickson Profar

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This has been a lost season for Profar after a breakout 2018 campaign. He has hit .080/.172/.120 in his last 25 at-bats and has a .698 OPS for the whole season. With outfielder Stephen Piscotty close to returning from the injured list, Oakland may shift utility player Chad Pinder to second base in October. Carrying an additional pitcher, like Luzardo, or the electric Chad Brown could be Profar's downfall.

3. LHP Jake Diekman

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Oakland picked up the veteran lefty in a July trade with the Royals. However, Diekman has struggled in the Bay, and his 13 walks in his last 15.2 innings are far too many for a reliever. A.J. Puk, Luzardo, Ryan Buchter and Brett Anderson all present better lefty options for either the bullpen or rotation.