MESA, Ariz. _ One player in the five-man battle for the A's starting second base job was packing up his locker Sunday morning.
Sheldon Neuse, the 25-year-old infield prospect acquired along with Jesus Luzardo and Blake Treinen from the Washington Nationals in 2017, fell victim to roster circumstances as the one player able to be sent to Triple-A without passing through waivers.
The competition among the final four _ Franklin Barreto, Jorge Mateo, Vimael Machin and Tony Kemp _ will "go down to the end" of camp, manager Bob Melvin said Sunday.
"It's a little disappointing for (Neuse)," Melvin said. "He wanted to be here a little bit longer. He wanted a bit better shot at second.
"But Machin, we've got to take a hard look at him, being Rule 5. Mateo and Barreto are going to get time there. And Tony Kemp, too. Unfortunately, he's just a little bit further down on the pecking order."
With the additional 26th roster spot this season, and Machin's positional versatility, the A's are taking a particularly hard look at him. The 26-year-old infielder, selected in this year's Rule 5 draft, would have to be offered back to the Cubs if he does not stay on the active roster all season.
"With the 26th spot, the versatility is going to play," Melvin said of Machin, who has played every infield position this spring and will get his most extensive playing time yet at first base on Monday.
"At this point," Melvin continued, "he's really impressed."
In 26 at-bats this spring, Neuse recorded six hits _ all singles. Machin is 8-for-25 (.320), Barreto 11-for-31 (.355), Mateo 6-for-22 (.273) and Kemp 9-for-27 (.333).
