The Athletics have sent right-hander Spencer Patton outright to Triple-A Las Vegas, according to the transactions log at MLB.com. Oakland designated him for assignment on Wednesday.
Patton has pitched 12 times for the A’s over two stints. He’s logged 12 1/3 innings, mostly in low-leverage relief, allowing seven runs. Patton has punched out seven while walking six and given up a trio of home runs. The 35-year-old has spent more time in Las Vegas, working to a 4.68 ERA across 42 1/3 frames in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. Patton has fanned a decent 24.3% of opponents in Triple-A against a 10.1% walk rate.
A former 24th-round pick, Patton has appeared at the major league level in parts of six seasons. Pitching for the Rangers, Cubs and A’s, he owns a 5.11 ERA over 116 1/3 innings. He has worked to a 3.36 ERA through parts of six Triple-A campaigns and allowed 3.68 earned runs per nine in four years at Japan’s highest level.
As was the case when the A’s outrighted Patton in May, he’ll have the ability to elect free agency in lieu of the minor league assignment.
The KC Royals are now 1/2 of a game up on the Oakland A’s for the #1 draft pick. Oakland “wins” the tie breaker so KC has to finish at least 1/2 of a game worse than Oak to “win”.
It’s a draft lottery, so even if KC finishes behind the A’s it doesn’t guarantee them the #1 pick. However with KC and the A’s luck, the Yankees will get the pick.