A's pick up Elmore in trade, designate Parrino

PHOENIX -- The A's let go of one infielder and traded for another Thursday morning, picking up Jake Elmore from the White Sox in exchange for cash considerations.

Andy Parrino was designated for assignment to make room for Elmore on the 40-man roster, giving the A's 10 days to trade, release or pass Parrino through waivers to keep him in their system.

Elmore, 26, is as versatile as they come, a trademark of the A's. He appeared in just 52 games for the Astros last year yet managed to play all nine positions in that time, including pitcher and catcher in the same game. It was just the 14th time in Major League history that a player appeared at both positions in the same game.

Most of Elmore's work, however, came in the middle infield. He hit .242 with two home runs and 13 RBIs for Houston after batting .191 with seven RBIs in 30 games for the D-backs in 2012. In six minor league seasons, Elmore was a career .291 hitter with a .781 OPS.

The A's already have several middle infielders, but collecting depth has defined much of their work in recent years. They'll get their first look at Elmore come Friday, when he's expected to join the team on the field after taking a physical Thursday.

Parrino was in his second camp with the A's after coming over from the Padres at the end of 2012. He struggled to the tune of a .118 average in 14 games with Oakland last season and only hit .210 with four homers and 36 RBIs in 108 games at Triple-A Sacramento.