Oakland A’s designate Rule 5 pick for assignment, reinstate Stephen Piscotty

The Oakland A’s designated Rule 5 pick Ka’ai Tom for assignment and reinstated Stephen Piscotty from the paternity list, the team announced. The A’s also reinstated reliever Reymin Guduan from the 10-day IL and added him as the 27th man for their doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday.

Tom, 26, was acquired in the Rule 5 draft from the Cleveland Indians this winter. If he clears waivers, the A’s must offer him back to Cleveland. If the Indians don’t claim Tom back, he can be outrighted to the A’s minor league system.

Tom had little action in his short stint with the A’s. He played nine games and collected one hit, his first career hit, in 16 at-bats. Before his first hit, Tom made his pitching debut in the ninth inning of a blowout game against the Houston Astros during season’s first series.

An oblique injury kept Tom out of action for nearly half of the Cactus League during spring training, but he wowed at the plate, where he went 9-for-29 with a home run and a triple. Tom was added as a much-needed left-handed bat in a right-handed-heavy A’s roster.

The A’s recalled infielder Vimael Machin to fill Piscotty’s spot on the active roster during his paternity leave. With Piscotty returning, the A’s need for infield help trumps outfield help. Machin, a 2019 Rule 5 pick and a switch-hitter, can provide relief for shortstop Elvis Andrus and third baseman Matt Chapman, who have played every game so far. Starting with Tuesday’s doubleheader, the A’s are scheduled to play 20 games over the next 20 days, and some relief may be necessary.

Corner outfielder Seth Brown’s emergence also factors into Tom’s DFA. Brown, who has been on the cusp of minor league and regular big league playing time, is 4-for-24 with two home runs since his call-up on April 6. A left-handed bat as well, Brown cut into Tom’s playing time.

The A’s also activated reliever Reymin Guduan from the 10-day IL. Guduan sprained his left thumb in a collision with the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger at first base on April 6. Guduan allowed eight runs on nine hits with three walks in 2 2/3 innings before his injury.