A’s select Tyler Wade, place Kevin Smith on 10-Day IL

In a recent roster move, the Oakland Athletics have placed infielder Kevin Smith on the 10-day injured list due to a back strain. The placement is retroactive to June 16. It's worth noting that Smith has primarily played shortstop this season with occasional appearances at third base on top of that.

To fill Smith's spot on the active roster, the Athletics have turned to utilityman Tyler Wade, whose contract has been selected from the A's Triple-A affiliate. Wade enters his second stint with the team this season. The 28-year-old Wade had previously been called up for a 10-game stretch in April, during which he struggled, managing only one hit in 16 plate appearances. Despite being designated for assignment, Wade chose to remain with the A's and accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A, displaying his commitment to the organization.

Wade's ability to play multiple positions will provide the A's with valuable depth. His left-handed bat also presents an intriguing platoon complement at shortstop and third base, given that Jonah Bride and Aledmys Diaz, both right-handed hitters, are also part of the active roster.

While Wade rejoins the Athletics, Kevin Smith, who has been battling a tough season, will now focus on recovering from his back injury.

Smith was expected to start Frida 's series opener against the Phillies but he had to forfeit the game right before the players were called into the field. Smith has struggled a bit at the plate, currently holding a batting average of .191, an on-base percentage of .216, and a slugging percentage of .330 over 102 plate appearances. This season, Smith has been optioned back and forth between the Major League roster and Triple-A twice already.

With Tyler Wade's arrival and Kevin Smith's placement on the injured list, the Athletics hope to bolster their roster and overcome the challenges they face as they continue their series against the Phillies through the weekend.