Maxwell sent down to make room for Blackburn

Maxwell's first homer of 2018 OAKLAND -- The A's sent Bruce Maxwell to Triple-A Nashville on Thursday, leaving Josh Phegley as the backup to veteran catcher Jonathan Lucroy.

Maxwell had appeared in just 18 of the A's first 62 games and was batting .182 in a secondary role. The move allowed the A's to clear roster space for Thursday's starter, right-hander Paul Blackburn. Outfielder Boog Powell, rehabbing a strained right knee, was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

View Full Game Coverage

"It is difficult for a player that's used to playing quite a bit to acclimate to that role, whether it's once or twice a week," A's manager Bob Melvin said of Maxwell's limited playing time. "I think,…