TORONTO -- The Athletics officially placed Bruce Maxwell on the restricted list on Thursday before starting their four-game road series against the Blue Jays.
In his place, Oakland recalled catcher Josh Phegley from Triple-A Nashville. Phegley is only expected to be with the club for the series in Toronto.
"Josh has been part of this team for years now. He didn't start with us, but he's a guy that we're really comfortable with," A's manager Bob Melvin said prior to Thursday's opener. "He knows the pitchers here. He knows our scheme. He knows what we're all about here. It's nice to be able to bring in a catcher at this point of the year who doesn't have to get up to speed with signs or your staff."
Maxwell reached a plea deal with the state of Arizona last month, pleading guilty to disorderly conduct. He will face sentencing on June 4. Last November, Maxwell was indicted by a grand jury on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and disorderly conduct after allegedly pointing a gun at a food delivery worker. Gun charges can prevent entry to Canada under the country's immigration laws.
Phegley's 2018 season was delayed when he fractured his pinkie and ring fingers on a foul tip in March. Following his activation from the disabled list, he was optioned to Triple-A, where he's played since.
Melvin said that Phegley will start Friday night's game, while Jonathan Lucroy will return to the lineup on Saturday.
Phegley has hit .224 with a .732 OPS this season with Nashville, but in 12 games this month, his OPS is .958. He has thrown out 5 of 13 (38 percent) attempted basestealers.
"He's swinging as well as he has all year," Melvin said, "so it's prudent to get him in there pretty quickly, and that will be tomorrow night."