Barton clears waivers, outrighted to Triple-A

ARLINGTON -- Daric Barton remains Oakland's longest-tenured player in the organization, after clearing waivers and being outrighted to Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old Barton, originally acquired by the A's in the 2004 Mark Mulder trade, was designated for assignment by the club on Friday after an eight-game stint in the big leagues. He went 3-for-21 with a home run and three RBIs in that time.

That led to the possibility of the first baseman getting a change of scenery with a different ballclub, but since no team claimed him on waivers, the A's opted to retain his services, rather than release him.

"For us," manager Bob Melvin said, "there's value there based on the fact that we don't have a lot of depth at the position.

"The defense stands out. If something were to happen to [Brandon] Moss, we're limited in what we have in the organization at first base."