NEW YORK (AP) β The Oakland Athletics have called up outfielder Jake Smolinski from Triple-A Nashville and optioned right-hander Chris Bassitt to their top farm club.
Smolinski, claimed off waivers from Texas on June 21, was on the bench Tuesday night against the New York Yankees waiting to make his Oakland debut. Manager Bob Melvin says Smolinski will play mostly against left-handed pitching, a problem area for the A’s.
Oakland is 5-16 against left-handed starters, the second-worst mark in the majors. The Athletics began the day hitting .238 with 15 home runs vs. southpaws, compared to .267 with 55 homers off right-handers.
Smolinski batted .133 with a homer and six RBIs in 60 at-bats for the Rangers this year, but was hitting .427 with six home runs and 23 RBIs over 25 games in the Pacific Coast League.
