A's vs. Jays Preview, Recap of Roster Moves

Kelly L Cox/US Presswire

It was busy day for the A's in terms of roster movement, so before we get to the preview of tonight's game, let's recap the moves that they made today.


Trades
Kurt Suzuki was dealt to the Washington Nationals for minor league catcher David Freitas. Read more about it here. 
The A's also acquired reliever Pat Neshek for cash from the Baltimore Orioles today, and he has been added to the roster.


Sent to DL
Seth Smith was sent to the DL with a left hamstring strain which he injured in last night's game while running to first base.


Sent Down
Relievers Evan Scribner and Jim Miller were optioned to Triple A Sacramento. 


Called Up
Outfielder Michael Taylor and catcher Derek Norris were called up today to fill the spots left by Scribner and Miller. 


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Ok, now for the game itself, which begins in about two hours from the O.Co Coliseum. 


Dan Straily will make his first career start for the A's as they take on the Toronto Blue Jays tonight. Straily is 5-2 with a 1.36 ERA in eight starts with the Sacramento Rivercats this season, and is regarded as one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball. It should be exciting to see him kick off his major league career.


Here is the lineup for the A's tonight. 


Crisp CF
Gomes DH
Reddick RF
Cespedes LF
Carter 1B
Inge 3B
Norris C,
Rosales SS,
Weeks 2B

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Report: A's Could Pursue Veteran Catcher

Kelley L Cox/US Presswire

John Shea is reporting that the A's could place a claim on a veteran catcher such as Ramon Hernandez or Yorvit Torrealba, who have both been placed on waivers.

The A's traded away Kurt Suzuki today to the Nationals today, leaving them with two unproven catchers in Derek Norris and George Kottaras.

Either Torrealba or Hernandez will provide the experience that the A's need behind the dish that is needed for their young pitching staff.

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Breaking News: Kurt Suzuki Traded to Nationals

Steven Bisig/US Presswire

The A's have announced that they have traded catcher Kurt Suzuki and cash considerations to the Washington Nationals for minor league catcher David Freitas.

Freitas is currently playing in Carolina Single A+, and is batting .271 with five home runs in 78 games. He was selected in the 15th round of the 2010 MLB Draft by the Nationals.

Suzuki has been struggling for the A's so far this season, batting just .218 with one home run in 75 games, and briefly lost the starting job to Derek Norris. He is coming off three consecutive years where he has hit at least ten home runs.

This likely means that the A's will bring Norris back up from Triple A Sacramento, where he and George Kottaras will platoon at the catcher position.

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