Pache is a candidate to open the season as the starting center fielder with Ramon Laureano (suspension) unavailable the first 27 games, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The recent trade acquisition arrived in Oakland with a well-deserved reputation as an elite defender, even as questions linger about the big-league readiness of his bat. Pache hasn't done much to dispel those worries in Cactus League play just yet -- he's hitting .167 over his first 12 spring plate appearances -- but he's posted averages of .265 or higher in every minor-league stint longer than one game during a professional career that dates back to 2016. Consequently, the job could be Pache's to lose to open 2022, barring injury or any unforeseen concerns that pop up.