Athletics place OF Boog Powell on the 10-day DL; Mark Canha recalled from Triple-A
The Oakland Athletics have placed outfielder Boog Powell on the 10-day disabled list Saturday with a sprained right knee.
The Athletics are expected to call-up outfielder Mark Canha on Sunday to fill the void. Canha is 2-for-8 with a home run and a walk in two games with Triple-A Nashville this season.
Canha has been a regular on the Athletics’ roster in recent seasons, with his most notable year coming in 2015 where he hit .254 with 16 home runs and 70 RBIs in 124 games.
More from Oakland A's News
- Oakland A’s select Walker Jenkins in first MLB mock draft
- Former Oakland A’s reliever Burch Smith signs in KBO
- Oakland A’s giving Garrett Williams a chance
- Yonny Hernandez finds new home with Los Angeles Dodgers
- Oakland A’s add needed bullpen piece in Trevor May
Canha will likely split time with the newly acquired Trayce Thompson and Jake Smolinski in center field. Thompson is expected to start against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday and Wednesday, as two left-handed pitchers are in line to start.
Powell sprained his right knee while running the bases on Friday, and is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday.
In seven games this season, Powell is hitting .167 (4-for-24) with a double and a triple.
Powell misplayed a few balls in the outfield and was generally ineffective with the bat over the first week and a bit of the season. His absence will open up an opportunity for Thompson to prove himself, as well as Canha who’s trying to stick with the Athletics for an extended period of time.
Thompson is known for his defense and power, and fans will be able to get a good look at him this week. It’s unclear how long he’ll remain with the team, but the center field spot is certainly up for grabs and Thompson fits the bill for what the team is looking for.
Canha will be considered, too, but his inconsistency both in the past, and during spring training, doesn’t bode well for him. He’s going to have to really play well to force the A’s hand.
Smolinski, for now, looks to have a roster spot locked down. However, he could very easily become the odd man out if he fails to produce. He’s just 1-for-10 this season with a stolen base, so he’ll have to make sure he’s staying productive.
Next: A’s call up top prospect Franklin Barreto
Of course, the Athletics also have Dustin Fowler down in Triple-A, but he’s seemingly still a while away from being called up. The 23-year-old Fowler was acquired from the Yankees last season, in the trade that sent RHP Sonny Gray to New York.
Fowler is 4-for-13 (.308 BA) with three RBIs and two stolen bases so far this season (three games).