Five things to know about the Oakland Athletics as opening day approaches:
1. Bad defense
The additions of third baseman Trevor Plouffe and center fielder Rajai Davis are unlikely to keep the Athletics from being the worst defensive team in the majors again. According to The Fielding Bible, Oakland had the worst runs saved scored in the majors last season at minus-71. Every position had a minus score. Third base, with Ryon Healy, was the worst spot at minus-23.
2. Without an ace
Right-hander Sonny Gray will open the season on the disabled list because of a strained shoulder muscle. It will be his third time on the DL since May, 2016.
3. Bad history
Oakland has had fewer than 70 wins in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1978-79.
4. One nuisance
Khris Davis, a left fielder who should be a designated hitter, had 10 homers in 64 at-bats against the Rangers last season. Only one player has had more homers against the Washington Senators-Texas Rangers in a season series. Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle hit 11 homers in 53 at-bats against the expansion Senators in 1961.
5. Starting five
The projected season-opening rotation of Kendall Graveman, Sean Manaea, Jharel Cotton, Andrew Triggs and Jesse Hahn has a combined 753 innings of major-league experience.