The Athletics have announced a series of roster moves, including the demotion of top prospect Franklin Barreto to Triple-A. Catcher Ryan Lavarnway has also been designated for assignment. The two moves create roster space for Josh Phegley (back from the paternity list) and right-hander Chris Smith, who had his contract purchased from Triple-A so he could start today’s game against the Mariners.
[Updated A’s depth chart at Roster Resource]
With Marcus Semien back from the DL, Barreto will be sent back down to the farm to get everyday playing time. Ranked as Oakland’s top prospect and considered one of the better minor leaguers in all of baseball, the 21-year-old Barreto hit .190/261/.381 with two home runs over his first 46 career MLB plate appearances. Barreto is likely to get a more extended look later this season, either as a September callup or if Jed Lowrie is traded at the deadline.
Lavarnway signed a minor league contract with the A’s in the offseason and has appeared in one game this season, representing his first taste of big league action since 2015. Formerly a well-regarded prospect in Boston’s system, Lavarnway has been part of six different organizations since December 2014. He has a strong .280/.371/.459 career slash line over 3117 Triple-A plate appearances, so Lavarnway will continue to provide the A’s (or another team) with some solid minor league depth.
Smith, 36, will become the oldest pitcher in Athletics franchise history to make his first career MLB start. (Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle details the amusing story of how Smith got the news from his Triple-A manager.) It has been a long journey for the veteran, originally a Red Sox draft pick in 2002 who appeared in 50 games for Boston and Milwaukee in 2008-10 before bouncing around the minors and even stepping away from the game for a year. Smith signed a minors deal with Oakland in November 2015 and he made 13 appearances for the A’s last season.
Weak move for Barreto. Let the kids play. Get rid of Lowrie so Barreto and Semien can start a double play combo. I know Barreto had a lot of strikeouts but let him learn while the team is not winning.
I hope they bring Barreto back up after the All Star break.
That may be exactly why they made the move. They may want him to get more at bats during the break.
Cant play Semien, Lowrie and Barreto at the same time. Lowrie’s getting traded at the deadline, Barreto will be back up then.
Is that you Billy?
Yes
No way! This is Great way for him to build his confidence and work on the things he needs to. Look at judge, last year he battled .177 or something … went back to the minors and this year he’s mashing. Next year baby!!
This is what Oakland does.
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once Lawrie is traded barreto will be back. it’s not a raw deal for Barreto he showed he can play and he’ll be up soon
Lavarnway isn’t in the Hall of Fame yet? weird.
Neither is will middlebrooks
Garrett Cecchini says hello..
Kid needs to develop greater confidence. He has had some rough games in the field and at bat. He’s gonna be fine.
Big leagues is no joke. This is the way to go for Barreto. He will be called back in a matter of days…
Lavarnway needs a boost. He was good for a bit in Boston before his wrist injury. He has played in the MLB for over half of the organizations he’s been in (MLB: Red Sox, Orioles, Braves, A’s /// Minors only: Cubs, Dodgers, Blue Jays)