A’s Chad Pinder helps fill the gap at third base in Matt Chapman’s absence

No Matt Chapman? No problem.

That’s an oversimplification, of course, because Chapman counts as one of baseball’s most dynamic players. But Chad Pinder — maybe the most versatile, underappreciated member of the A’s — eased the sting of Chapman’s absence in Thursday’s 6-4, series-clinching victory over the White Sox.

Pinder, who missed two weeks in September with a hamstring injury and returned to action only Sunday, played a central role in propelling the A’s into next week’s Division Series against Houston. He had two hits Thursday, including a two-run, fifth-inning single to push Oakland ahead for good.

Pinder might not have a regular position — he has started at every outfield and infield spot during his major-league career — but he owns universal admiration among his teammates.

“He’s one of the leaders in our clubhouse, one of those guys everyone respects,” closer Liam Hendriks said. “His versatility in the lineup is huge — not only the way he swings the bat, but also the way he plays every single position.

“He’s trusted at every single position. You could probably put him behind the plate and he’d do a good job.”

Chapman, a two-time Platinum Glove winner and 2019 All-Star, will not return until next season in the wake of hip surgery. The A’s picked up Jake Lamb to replace Chapman at third base, a shrewd acquisition.

The A’s Chad Pinder connects on his two-run, fifth-inning single in Thursday’s Game 3.

Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle

Lamb has played well, even if it’s wildly unrealistic to duplicate Chapman’s power at the plate and smoothness in the field.

“There’s no replacing Chappy,” Pinder said. “He’s our vocal leader.”

As for any uncertainty about his playoff status while he went through rehabilitation on his hamstring, Pinder said. “I tried to stay positive. I just had to get to a place where I could play through it and play smart on it.

“I don’t know if I’ll be 100% the rest of the year, but I’m confident I’ll be fine as long as I keep doing things in the training room. That was my mind-set through the two weeks I sat out.”

Pinder returned for the final regular-season game Sunday against Seattle; he went 1-for-3 with an RBI as the designated hitter. That served as a brief tuneup ahead of Tuesday’s playoff opener.

Manager Bob Melvin obviously had faith in Pinder, even after his prolonged absence. He started Game 1 at DH (0-for-3) and Game 2 at third base (1-for-3) before retreating to the bench Thursday, with Lamb starting at third.

But Melvin, soon after Chicago manager Rick Renteria removed right-handed starter Dane Dunning, didn’t hesitate to shuffle his lineup. Pinder pinch hit for Lamb in the third inning and reached base on an infield single.

Pinder’s big moment arrived in the fifth, after the A’s and White Sox bobbed and weaved their way to a 4-4 tie. Oakland put together a slow-developing two-out rally, with Sean Murphy (walk), Tommy La Stella (catcher’s interference) and Marcus Semien (another walk) all reaching base.

Then, with reliever Evan Marshall (a righty) on the mound, Pinder hit a sharp grounder into the hole between shortstop Tim Anderson and third baseman Yoan Moncada. Murphy and La Stella scored, and players in the A’s dugout exulted as they seized a 6-4 lead.

“Pinder had an absolutely terrific game, playing on a bad hammy,” Melvin said. “That’s a hard road — you get one game’s worth of at-bats and then all of a sudden, you’re thrust into playing a position in the playoffs. Not easy to do.”

Ron Kroichick is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rkroichick@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ronkroichick