A's Clarke showing out on both sides of the ball in the Fall League

MESA, Ariz. -- The Denzel Clarke Arizona Fall League showcase continues.

With three more hits for Mesa in the Solar Sox’s 7-3 loss to the Desert Dogs on Monday, the A’s No. 10 prospect ranks second on the circuit with a .506 on-base percentage -- and he added to his defensive highlight reel with some impressive work in center field.

In the top of the third inning, Clarke went over the center-field wall -- literally -- ending up on the grass berm while trying to prevent the second home run of the game by Matt McLain (Reds). It was an impressive feat, but Clarke wasn’t able to bring it back.

“Just trying to do what I can to play well and help the team win,” the 24-year-old said, “giving my best effort to my pitchers all the time.”

An inning later, Dodgers No. 11 prospect Zyhir Hope sent a similar drive out to center and this time Clarke wouldn’t be denied. He made a leaping grab and reeled in the ball above the wall -- managing to stay in the field of play in the process.

“That was awesome,” Clarke said. “Honestly, I got a late jump on it but I was able to track it down and finish the play at the end.”

Offense always gets most of the attention, but Clarke prides himself on being a complete player, especially when it comes to his glovework.

“I love defense,” he said. “I think growing up I was always a defense-first player. I started baseball a little later, so the hitting has been taking a while to come along, but every day I just love going out there and playing defense to help the team win.”

The hitting certainly is coming along.

In between his defensive efforts, Clarke added to his remarkable offensive résumé with his second Fall League homer, a deep drive to right-center field. After Monday’s 3-for-5 game, these are Clarke’s numbers after 17 games with the Solar Sox:

AVG: .388
OBP: .506
OPS: 1.088
Homers: 2
Triples: 3
Doubles: 1
Stolen bases: 7

“I’m feeling good overall,” Clarke said. “I came here with a mission and have been able to accomplish it so far. I’m working on small things -- offense, defense, baserunning -- and I’m happy with the way it’s been working out.”

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After being selected by the A’s out of Cal State Northridge in the fourth round in 2021, Clarke was limited to 157 games over his first two professional seasons because of left shoulder injuries. But the Toronto native finally had a healthy 2024, and though he started off slow he closed with a .333/.388/.444 slash line in September and came to Arizona intending to build on that.

“I had a slow start to the [Minor League] season, then a strong finish," Clarke said. "So the biggest thing was coming out here and not taking the foot off the gas pedal."

The Fall League also represents Clarke’s last chance to show the A’s he is worthy of protection from this year’s Rule 5 Draft. He will be eligible for Rule 5 selection for the first time in December if not added to the organization’s 40-man roster ahead of the Nov. 19 deadline.

“I’m just going out there and playing my hardest every day,” Clarke said. “I leave that up to them and control what I can control, which is playing hard every day.”

He is not letting the business side of baseball get in the way of what he considers an extraordinary privilege. Like two of his idols, Miguel Cabrera and Adrian Beltre, Clarke is determined to not only play hard, but to thoroughly enjoy the opportunity and this time with his teammates.

“I love meeting new people, I love hanging out with my teammates, I love traveling, and you get all that with baseball,” he said. “I’m really happy to be able to play this game.”