A's claim LHP Jeff Francis off waivers from Cincinnati

OAKLAND, Calif. - The Oakland Athletics have claimed left-handed pitcher Jeff Francis off waivers from Cincinnati, the team announced today. To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, infielder Jake Elmore was transferred to the 60-day disabled list. A corresponding 25-man roster move will be announced at a later time. 

Francis was 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA in one start with Cincinnati. He was selected from Triple-A Louisville on Thursday, started that night against San Diego in the second game of a doubleheader and was designated for assignment the next day. He was 4-3 with a 3.33 ERA in eight starts for Louisville. In his Major League career, Francis is 70-79 with a 4.94 ERA in 229 games, 217 starts, in 10 seasons with Colorado, Kansas City and Cincinnati.

Elmore was placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 28 with a strained left quad. He began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento April 24 and went 0 for 4 with two walks and a strikeout in two games (one at second base, one at third base). The assignment was halted May 3.