Padres claim RHP Neil Wagner off waivers from the Oakland A's; transfer INF/OF James Darnell to 60-day DL

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The San Diego Padres today announced they have claimed right-handed pitcher Neil Wagner off waivers from the Oakland A’s, have optioned him to Triple-A Tucson and have transferred infielder/outfielder James Darnell to the 60-day disabled list. Executive Vice President/General Manager Josh Byrnes made the announcement.

Wagner, 28, has made 15 relief appearances for Oakland’s Triple-A affiliate in Sacramento this year, going 1-1 with a 5.49 ERA (12 ER/19.2 IP). He made his Big League debut with the A’s in 2011, posting a 7.20 ERA (4 ER/5.0 IP) in six relief outings. Over parts of seven minor league seasons in the Cleveland Indians (2006-10) and A’s (2010-12) organizations, Wagner has gone 16-24 with a 3.58 ERA (152 ER/382.1 IP) in 281 relief appearances.

Darnell, 25, was originally placed on the DL on May 18 with a subluxation of the left shoulder. He has hit .235 (4-for-17) with a home run in seven games for the Padres this year. In 31 games with Triple-A Tucson this season, he has split his time between third base and left field, hitting .267 (31-for-116) with six doubles, seven home runs, 21 RBI and 22 runs scored. Over parts of five minor league seasons in the Padres organization, he has hit .299 (437-for-1460) with 101 doubles, seven triples, 63 home runs, 254 RBI and 244 runs scored in 392 games.