A's claim RHP Smith, place RHP Thompson on 60-day DL
MESA, Ariz. -- The A's claimed right-hander Chad Smith off waivers from Detroit on Thursday, a move meant to offset the loss of another relief option, Taylor Thompson, to injury.
The right-handed Thompson was forced to bow out of the bullpen competition because of a right-shoulder strain. He was placed on the 60-day disabled list to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Smith and has been shut down indefinitely.
"We're going to have to back him off and get going with the exercise and so forth until we feel comfortable with him throwing a baseball," manager Bob Melvin said of Thompson, who was claimed off waivers from the White Sox this winter.
Video: HOU@CWS: Thompson racks up first career strikeout
The 27-year-old attempted throwing several times in the last week, but "it seemed like it just got a little worse every time he went out there," Melvin said.
Thankful for the opportunity with the Tigers but very excited to be joining the Oakland A's! Back to the West Coast
- Chad Smith (@ChadSmithDT16) February 26, 2015Smith, 25, posted a 5.40 ERA in 10 appearances last year for the Tigers, who selected him in the 17th round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft. In three Minor League seasons, Smith had a 2.68 ERA spanning 91 appearances.