The A's haven't been playing very well of late, but they should be getting a much-needed reinforcement Tuesday.
First baseman Matt Olson is expected to return from a broken hand before the A's game against the Reds, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reported Monday. Olson broke the hamate bone in his right hand during the A's second game against the Seattle Mariners in Japan.
Slusser also reported the A's are likely to let Kendrys Morales go once Olson returns to the fold. Slusser noted that Morales could remain on the roster for a few more days depending on the status of Khris Davis' hip contusion, but Morales is unlikely to stay with the A's for much longer.
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Olson was a big part of the A's success last season, hitting 29 home runs with 84 RBI. The A's have hit the skids recently, going 1-8 on their recent road trip. During the nine-game trip, the A's averaged four runs per game. However, they scored 14 runs in their lone win on the trip, putting them at 2.75 runs per game during their eight losses. So, Olson's bat should put some juice into what has been a punchless lineup of late.
Morales has struggled this season, hitting .209 with one home run and seven RBI.