Rookie hopes to make most of this big league opportunity
Source: LAURENCE MIEDEMA, Mercury News
Eric Byrnes tried to hide his disappointment about not making the A's roster coming out of spring training. But it wasn't easy when the rookie outfielder struggled to hit .200 most of the first month at Triple-A Sacramento.''
As much as I don't want to admit it, there probably was a little natural letdown,'' Byrnes said. ''But it kind of worked out well because I struggled but got to work my way through it."
The energetic alumnus of of St. Francis High joined the A's on Wednesday when outfielder David Justice was placed on the disabled list.
Despite leading the A's with 16 RBIs this spring, Byrnes lost the backup outfield spot to Mike Colangelo. After the poor start at Sacramento, Byrnes was 10 for his last 19 to raise his average to .261.
Byrnes, who is making his seventh appearance with the A's since 2000, tripled in his first at-bat Wednesday.
"When I play I'm always going to bust my butt and bring some energy to the bench," Byrnes said. "That's one thing I'll always bring."
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