OAKLAND – The A’s unofficially went into full 2018 mode Thursday morning with the announcement that veteran catcher Stephen Vogt had been placed on the designated for assignment list.
Vogt was an A’s All-Star each of the last two seasons, but his offensive production was down and the arm strength and quick release needed to throw out base runners was lacking, as well.
The A’s have 10 days to trade Vogt, release him or, if he isn’t claimed on waivers, possibly see if he’d be open to a minor league assignment.
Oakland, which has been calling up players from its Triple-A Nashville roster at a steady rate in recent weeks, promoted catcher Bruce Maxwell to take Vogt’s place.