A's Designate Veteran Outfielder For Assignment

An .096 average just isn't going to cut it, even with the low expectations of the Oakland A's this season. With that in mind, 5-year veteran outfielder Billy McKinney has been designated for assignment by the Athletics, while they called up OF Luis Barrera to take his spot on the roster. 

The 27-year-old McKinney is with his 6th team in 5 years in the big leagues. In 690 career at-bats, he owns a .206 average with a .664 OPS. His only real modicum of success came over a 120-game stint with the Toronto Blue Jays from 2018 through 2019. He batted .230 with 18 HR and 41 RBIs in 369 ABs.

This season, his 5 hits in 57 plate appearances, and his .331 OPS were all the A's needed to see to place him on waivers. 

Barrera himself was DFA'd earlier this season by the A's, but he cleared waivers, went down to Triple-A and put in a decent showing in 101 plate appearances, hitting .286 with an .820 OPS, along with 3 HRs and 2 SBs. 

The 26-year-old can play all outfield positions and has some speed. 

If McKinney clears waivers, he'll be gambling on a resurgence at Oakland's Triple-A affiliate in Las Vegas. 

Photo Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports