MESA, Ariz. – The Athletics are down to 46 players in camp with just under two weeks of Spring Training left, and while Monday’s roster cuts provided a bit more clarity, there appear to be some tough decisions coming down the pike.
The next couple of weeks will have a big impact on how the A’s decide to construct their 26-man roster for Opening Day on March 27 in Toronto. Here’s a look at where roster battles stood entering Tuesday’s 11-7 win against the White Sox at Hohokam Stadium.\n\n**Third base**\n\nBrett Harris was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday, which puts the spotlight on three players for the third base battle:
“Darell not being here is a good thing,” manager Mark Kotsay said. “Because he’s helping his country advance and having a lot of fun while he’s doing it, which I love. He’ll be a part of that mix.”\n\nIbáñez entered Tuesday hitting .400 (10-for-25) through nine spring games. Claimed off waivers from the Dodgers last month, Ibáñez provides extra value as an experienced super utility player who has seen plenty of time at third, second, first and outfield in five big league seasons.\n\n“Managing against him, when I was making a decision to bring a reliever in, he was scary,” Kotsay said. “When he came off the bench, it was a professional, aggressive at-bat. … It’s great to have him a part of this.”\n\nThere is a scenario in which all three make the roster, depending on how the A’s decide to construct their bench.\n\n**Bullpen**\n\nThere is likely only one bullpen spot up for grabs and several contenders vying for that same role.
**Final rotation spot**\n\nAfter rotation locks Luis Severino, Jeffrey Springs, Aaron Civale and Luis Morales, the sense here is that