WEST SACRAMENTO – The Athletics shook up their roster a bit ahead of Friday’s series opener against the Tigers at Sutter Health Park.
Joining the A’s from Triple-A Las Vegas was infielder Jonathan Ornelas, who signed a Minor League deal with the club last week and got off to a hot start with the Aviators. To clear space for Ornelas on the active roster, the A’s optioned Colby Thomas to Triple-A, while right-hander Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang was designated for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.
Just as significant as Ornelas’ addition were the decisions on Thomas, a former top prospect for the club, and Zhuang, who ranks as the A’s No. 22 prospect per MLB Pipeline. Let’s take a look at the thinking behind each decision:
Ornelas
The A’s have not shied away from taking a flier on signing position players to Minor League deals. It wasn’t long ago that they struck gold with outfielder Carlos Cortes, who signed a similar deal with the club just before 2025 Spring Training.
Ornelas is a player the A’s identified as having the characteristics they value, particularly his versatility to play second base, third base, shortstop and all three outfield spots. Released by the Yankees on July 16, Ornelas signed with the A’s on July 23 and crushed Pacific Coast League pitching, going 10-for-23 (.435) with two home runs and seven RBIs in six games for Las Vegas. Between his time with Las Vegas and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the 26-year-old is slashing .311/.378/.505 with 11 homers, 15 doubles and 46 RBIs in 81 games.
Most of Ornelas’ previous big league time with the Rangers from 2023-25 came as a utility infielder, and that’s likely the role he’ll fill now with the A’s.
“This is his best offensive season that he’s put together,” manager Mark Kotsay said. “The adjustments he’s made, there’s results, which build confidence. He’s been with a few different organizations now, so he’s bounced around a little bit. We’re hopeful that maybe this is a player that lands here and sticks.”
Thomas
Thomas is a player the A’s have had high hopes for after he slugged his way through the Minors to earn his first call to the Majors last season. But with a crowded outfield picture, the 25-year-old outfielder saw his playing time dwindle as this season has progressed. Over his last 29 games, Thomas was just 9-for-62 (.145), with most of his playing time coming against left-handers.
This is not the A’s giving up on Thomas, but rather them giving him a chance to reset and get regular playing time with Triple-A.
“Colby’s a young player and still has a ton ahead of him,” Kotsay said. “His role this season hasn’t been the easiest. We’ve gone through long stretches of facing right-handed pitching where his opportunities haven’t been given to him. … He had some inconsistency with his ability to get consistent playing time, and I think that’s impacted him. He’s going to go down, and the goal is to get him consistent at-bats playing every day in Vegas. He’ll have an opportunity to get back here in September.”
Zhuang
This one was somewhat surprising given Zhuang’s standing on their top prospect list. The 25-year-old righty began the season at Double-A Midland and got off to a strong start with a 2.74 ERA in four starts before getting promoted to Triple-A, but his time in Vegas has been a struggle. In 15 games (12 starts), Zhuang holds a 7.84 ERA with 42 strikeouts and 28 walks across 59 2/3 innings.
Zhuang will now be exposed to waivers, where he could get claimed by another club. The A’s remain hopeful that he can clear waivers and continue his development within the organization.