Outfielder Brent Rooker is back with the Athletics after missing a little over two weeks with an oblique strain. The club has designated infielder Andy Ibanez for assignment to clear a roster spot for Rooker, per a team announcement. Rooker is batting fourth as the DH today against the Rangers.
The Dodgers gave Ibanez a one-year, $1.2MM deal in January. They tried to get him through waivers in February, but the A’s swooped in and claimed him. It was a reasonable move considering Ibanez’s solid production as a platoon bat in recent years with the Tigers. The veteran struggled in his brief time with the club, though. Ibanez hit just .118 in 11 games. He spent time at every infield position except shortstop.
After a couple of seasons with the Rangers, Ibanez came to the Tigers via waiver claim heading into 2023. He earned semi-regular work for the first time as a big leaguer, delivering a 103 wRC+ across 383 plate appearances. Ibanez’s numbers tailed off the following season, though not against lefties. The righty swinger posted a .802 OPS vs. southpaws in 2024. Detroit leaned harder into the platoon approach last year, limiting Ibanez to just 52 at-bats against righties. He slashed a respectable .258/.311/.403 in 124 ABs against lefties.
The A’s got the memo about Ibanez’s splits. It just didn’t work out for them in a tiny sample. The infielder went 2-for-16 against lefties. Ibanez was 0-for-1 with a walk in his scant chances against righties. The club was able to take advantage of the veteran’s defensive versatility, as he drew starts at first, second, and third base. Ibanez has been a plus defender by Defensive Runs Saved at all four infield spots for his career.
With Ibanez DFAed, the A’s will have five days to trade him or put him on waivers. He could be attractive to a team hunting for infield depth, though the price tag is a bit higher than a typical waiver claim. If he makes it through waivers, the A’s could look to stash him in the minors, if he permits it. Ibanez has been outrighted in his career, so he has the right to reject a minor league assignment and opt for free agency.
Photo courtesy of Scott Marshall, Imagn Images
Interesting. I wonder if the Dodgers try to reacquire him.
It just didn’t work for Ibanez and the A’s. The surging of Cortez and playing time for Gelof didn’t help either but Andy is a good player, he will find another opportunity.
A’s have a pair of outfielders and a pair of infielders to trade.
They’d love to move Larry Butler and Colby Thomas, keeping Carlos Cortes and Henry Bolte.
Michael Stefanic is hitting .280/.400/.387 in Las Vegas. Kuroda-Gardner, DeVries, White all looking good in AA, Id say Gelof and Muncy could both be acquired.
Butler and Muncy are the two that would garner some interest. Butler’s contract isnt prohibitive and he could be slumping because of the Sacramento digs. He could be a real strong change of scenery candidate.
I think the Phillies are a good fit for Muncy and Butler. Add a pair of bullpen arms in the deal too.
A’s:
-Larry Butler
-Max Muncy
-Scott Barlow
-JT Ginn
–for–
Phillies:
-Edmundo Sosa
-Moises Chace
-Braydon Tucker
-Alirio Ferrebus
A’s take Sosa back to offset salary. A’s get two nice pitching prospects and a catcher to develop.
That’s a nice package to Philadelphia. A’s have to move some players out, there is an opportunity to trade with Sacramento.
I’ve got multiple issues with this proposal but I’ll just focus on one point for now: why are you calling him Larry Butler? lol
Yea it’s strange
I think you’re a bit delusional about trade interest in Lawrence Butler.
No, the money isn’t exhorbitant, but he’s been a below average player since his one “breakout” half-season in 2024 — and has a career OBP of .300 with miserable strikeout number. After 2026, he’ll be owed $53 million for the next 5 seasons. Nobody’s touching that contract!
Rooker back should help them out of this .500 trend. That division is there for the taking with TX and Seattle playing like they are. Pedal to the metal and win this thing for Canseco. Win it for McGwire. Win it for Blue, Catfish, and Eck. Forget Henderson cause he was a human scum, but the rest deserve it