A's claim pitcher Francis off waivers from Reds

CLEVELAND -- The Athletics claimed pitcher Jeff Francis off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday.

Francis, who was designated for assignment on Friday, was the 26th man on the Reds' roster for Thursday's doubleheader against the Padres.

Francis gave up three runs over five innings of work in his start, taking the loss.

Playing for Triple-A Louisville this season, Francis struck out 45 and walked 12 in 48 2/3 innings over eight starts.

Oakland manager Bob Melvin likes the options that Francis presents.

"We'll bring him in here," Melvin said. "Mostly length at this point, [but Francis is] a guy that's stretched out to start and helps us out two different ways -- [as] potential starting depth and the true long man we need back into the bullpen, too."

Oakland moved Jake Elmore to the 60-day disabled list to make room on the 40-man roster for Francis. Francis will join the team on Monday in St. Petersburg in advance of Tuesday's series opener against the Rays.

Francis was added to the 25-man roster when pitcher Joe Savery was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento.