Moss takes over as Oakland's first baseman du jour
The Oakland A's had a busy day of transactions Wednesday, and they have yet another new first baseman.
Brandon Moss became the fourth man to try to win the everyday spot when he was called up from Class AAA Sacramento before Oakland's 2-0 win over the Texas Rangers. He went 0-for-3 and he turned in a solid effort at first, just his second major league start at the position after 189 major league games in the outfield.
Before the game, Kila Ka'aihue was designated for assignment. Ka'aihue had held the everyday job for four days, since Daric Barton was optioned out on Saturday; before that, Ka'aihue had been in a semi-platoon with Barton.
At the start of the season, Ka'aihue and Brandon Allen were sharing the spot until Allen was designated for assignment April 9 and claimed off waivers by Tampa Bay.
Manager Bob Melvin said that one reason for the move is that Moss, who had 15 homers at Sacramento, had an out clause in his contract on June 15.
Also Wednesday, the A's placed right-handed reliever Andrew Carignan on the disabled list with a strained right elbow, and Carignan confirmed after the game that he is expected to need Tommy John surgery.
Right-hander Evan Scribner was called up to take his spot. Scribner, 26, made 10 major league appearances for the Padres last year, earning no decisions and posting a 7.07 ERA. He was 3-0 with six saves and a 3.31 ERA in 23 appearances for Sacramento this season.
