‘Stalwart' Josh Phegley seizing opportunity he's never had with A's

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A's catcher Josh Phegley never has played more than 73 games in a single big league season during his seven-year MLB career.

But barring something unforeseen, Phegley should surpass his career high in games played by the All-Star break in July.

With the A's letting Jonathan Lucroy leave in free agency and Bruce Maxwell deciding to become a free agent, Phegley was the most experienced in-house catcher on the A's roster. Nick Hundley joined as a free agent, and has served as the team's backup.

With regular playing time, Phegley is thriving, hitting .281/.326/.504 with six homers and 31 RBI in 41 games so far this season. In the near future, he should shatter his career highs of nine homers and 34 RBI, set in 2017.

Phegley is taking advantage of the chance that has been presented to him.

"I'm just out here trying to have fun," Phegley told NBC Sports California's Dallas Braden after the A's 7-1 win over the Seattle Mariners on Sunday at the Coliseum. "I've been around a little while and this is my first opportunity in a few years to be out here on a daily basis, so honestly trying to enjoy it while it lasts and have some fun with the guys."

Phegley's battery mate on Sunday, Brett Anderson, has taken notice of what his catcher is doing.

"He's putting up All-Star-like numbers in the nine hole, which is pretty crazy," Anderson told the media in Oakland. "The energy he brings, he's playing well, we saw it in spurts the last couple of years, but getting the chance to be the every-day guy pretty much, he's been phenomenal at the back end of our lineup, a kind of stalwart, so it's fun to see."

On Sunday, Phegley went 2-for-3 with a homer and three RBI.

After the A's ninth straight win, manager Bob Melvin was asked to try to explain Phegley's offensive outburst this season.

"Just more of a consistent approach and consistent at-bats," Melvin told the media. "He's really taken advantage of an opportunity he's never had before. Just when you think, 'All right, here comes a little lull,' he has another game like he had today. And he's had several games this year where he was the key bat in the game, and without him, we probably don't win the game. So, he's continuing to be productive and driving in runs, and do it all from the nine spot, too."

[RELATED: Why A's want Phegley at bottom of lineup]

Can Phegley really make the AL All-Star team? It's possible. New York Yankees backstop Gary Sanchez has the best numbers and likely be voted in as the starter. After that, there are non-household names such as Mitch Garver, Omar Narvaez and Christian Vazquez who could compete for second catcher on the roster. Phegley is second in RBI among all AL catchers, so he's making a strong case.

But there's still a month and a half until the All-Star Game. For now, Phegley will keep bashing the ball out of the nine hole.

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