Slumping Athletics shake up roster, call up five players - ESPN

Mired in a nine-game losing streak, the Athletics shook up their roster Friday and called up five players, including highly touted prospect Denzel Clarke.

Veteran Seth Brown was designated for assignment amid moves that general manager David Forst hopes will give the club more flexibility.

«Ultimately, obviously we're in a stretch right now we're not finding ways to win,» Forst said in a video news conference. «I think we're better than we've shown the last 10 days.»

Clarke, a 25-year-old center fielder known for his standout defense, speed and power, was the team's fourth round selection in the 2021 amateur draft. He was set to start and make his major league debut Friday night for the A's (22-29) in the opener of a three-game home series against the Philadelphia Phillies at home in West Sacramento.

Clarke was batting .286 with no home runs, 21 RBI and seven stolen bases in 31 games with Las Vegas. His .436 on-base percentage ranked fourth in the Pacific Coast League.

Also recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas were left-hander Jacob Lopez and infielder CJ Alexander, while catcher Willie MacIver and infielder Logan Davidson were selected from Las Vegas.

During the skid, the club has been outscored 72-26, is batting .209 and has a team ERA of 8.23 while allowing 23 home runs.

Outfielder JJ Bleday was optioned to Triple-A along with right-hander Carlos Duran and catcher Jhonny Pereda. The A's also transferred second baseman Zack Gelof to the 60-day injured list.

Forst said Bleday needed a «reset» to find a rhythm at the plate and on defense — something he couldn't find playing every day at the big league level right now. Manager Mark Kotsay spoke to Bleday on Friday about the move.

«Hopefully he'll be back here very soon,»