This is the Robbie Grossman the A's were expecting when they signed the free agent outfielder to a $2 million contract this offseason.
After a sluggish start to the season, Grossman has put together a stellar June, slashing .306/.358/.484 in 19 games. The 29-year-old has raised his batting average from .212 to .243 and his on-base percentage is up to .329, much closer to his career mark of .352.
Grossman spent the previous three seasons with the Minnesota Twins, where he posted a .266/.371/.400 slash line. It's that .371 on-base percentage that really intrigued the A's.
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Throughout his career, Grossman has shown a natural ability for getting on base. He has drawn at least 55 walks in each of the last three seasons with fewer than 100 strikeouts in all three. He's on pace to extend that streak this year.
Oakland didn't expect Grossman to hit for much power, although he has chipped in with five home runs and 14 doubles. But the A's have plenty of other home run hitters throughout the lineup. In fact, the green and gold feature seven players with 10 or more homers, and two more with nine.
Grossman has proven to be a versatile option in the lineup, batting in every spot except fourth and fifth. He has also achieved success as a pinch-hitter, going 3-for-10 with a home run and three walks.
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Oakland Athletics
Grossman has even shown some surprising speed on the bases, stealing five bags this year, tied for third on the squad. He has been solid defensively as well, representing one of just two A's regulars who have yet to commit an error.
You could certainly argue that Mark Canha and Chad Pinder should see more playing time in left field -- both hit for more power than Grossman -- but Grossman has emerged as a worthy option, at least as a fourth outfielder.