The White Sox took a 2-1 lead in the top of the 10th, but it wasn’t enough. The homer was Urias’s fourth in just 46 plate appearances this season. He’s taken over as the Athletics’ second baseman since Max Muncy was sent down, and while his defense is an issue there, his bat deserves to be in the lineup; he’s hitting .275/.348/.575.

Urias drove in one of the Athletics’ three runs with a solo homer in the seventh inning for his only hit of the day. The 27-year-old infielder has operated as the A’s primary second baseman until Zack Gelof (hand) returns. Urias is hitting 270/.333/.514 with three homers over 43 plate appearances.

Urías should be closing in on a roster spot with his .261/.393/.435 line this spring. Today’s start was his fifth at second base this spring, compared to three at third. We’d rather see him take playing time away from Gio Urshela than Zack Gelof, but he’ll probably be a true backup initially. That all three are right-handed hitters doesn’t make for any quality platoon scenarios.

The deal was rumored over the weekend and is now official. It’s a major league contract for Urías, who has no minor league options left, which means that he is going to make the opening day roster. Even though Urías will provide support for Zack Gelof in case the youngster struggles again in 2025, there is a chance that Urías could also beat out Gio Urshela for the starting third base job. Both of those veterans can’t be sent to the minors without clearing waivers, so it’s likely that one of them is the starter with the other serving as a utility infielder off the bench.