A’s eager to see what catcher of the future Sean Murphy can bring to pennant race
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OAKLAND — A’s manager Bob Melvin was a catcher, and so was Ray Fosse, the team’s radio and TV analyst. And they both like 24-year-old Sean Murphy, who was making his major league debut Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Angels.
“He hits, he hits for power, he takes his defense seriously — he’s a defense-first guy. He frames (pitches) really well, he’s got a really strong throwing arm, loves being the quarterback and leading the way,” Melvin said. “A lot to like.”
Fosse, a former two-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, is most concerned with how well a catcher handles his various assignments behind the plate.
“I’ve seen him in spring training and he’s very good,” Fosse said. “I think he’s going to be very strong in the catching department. He’s got a good bat from all indications in the minor leagues.
“Bottom line: if he can handle job behind the plate, you’re going to save more runs than you drive in.”
Murphy might have been in Oakland sooner, Melvin said, except that he underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in May and injured the same knee in late July. Even so, in 31 games with Triple-A Las Vegas, Murphy batted .308 with 10 home runs, 30 RBIs and a .625 slugging percentage.
Before the game, Murphy called the occasion “a dream come true.”
He understands the circumstances and welcomes the pressure.
“Obviously this team’s in the middle of a pennant race, so it’s not time for me to feel it out because this team’s got to win today,” he said. “There’s a lot riding on these games. So I have to go in and be prepared as possible to compete and win.”
Murphy’s parents, his sister and brother-in-law, and his girlfriend all were at the Coliseum for his debut.
“I’m not as nervous as I thought I would be. It’s the same game,” he said.
Melvin said Murphy spent time talking with Wednesday night starter Tanner Roark going over strategy and the Angels lineup. He also was equipped with a wristband that will provide him notes on certain situations, but spent a lot of time the past couple days studying, Melvin said.
“It’s not something he takes lightly,” the manager said.
Fosse likes Murphy’s confidence but also his mature demeanor as a catcher.
“He seems to be very calm and cool behind the plate, very strong-armed,” he said. “I think there’s a lot of positives there.”
Fosse hopes this marks the beginning of the A’s having a catcher Melvin can pencil into the lineup on a regular basis.
“Nothing against (Josh) Phegley or (Chris) Herrmann or anybody else,” he said. “We’re talking about Sean Murphy, and he’s good.”
A surprise no longer: Outfielder Seth Brown entered Wednesday’s game batting .448 (13 for 29) with nine RBIs in his first eight games since being brought up as a stop-gap while Stephen Piscotty rehabbed an ankle sprain. He had two triples on Tuesday night.
“He’s a guy we really didn’t see in spring training, probably wasn’t a top prospect for us,” Melvin said. “But fought his way here, deserves to be here. Then you see the at-bats and the preparation and the tenacity and everything he brings to the table and he impresses you right away. Everything we’ve thrown at him he’s handled very well.”
Bassitt becomes a dad: Right-hander Chris Bassitt’s wife Jessica gave birth to the couple’s first child Wednesday. Bassitt will spend another day at home before returning to the team. He is expected to start Saturday against the Tigers.
Early start Friday: Before Friday’s regularly scheduled series opener against Detroit, the A’s and Tigers will complete a suspended game from May 19.
The game, which starts at 5:15 p.m., will resume in the bottom of the seventh with the A’s leading 5-3.