Oakland A's DFA Fernando Abad and Craig Gentry, add Joey Wendle and Jose Torres to 40-man

The Oakland A's added second baseman Joey Wendle and left-handed pitcher Jose Torres to the 40-man roster ahead of today's deadline to protect players from December's Rule 5 draft. To clear space on the 40-man, the A's designated left-handed reliever Fernando Abad and outfielder Craig Gentry for assignment.

Wendle, turning 26 next season, was widely expected to be added to the 40-man today after completing a .289/.323/.442 season with Triple-A Nashville and playing an excellent second base. Wendle was acquired from the Cleveland Indians last winter for Brandon Moss, and was drafted in the 6th round of the 2012 draft.

The A's signed Torres, 22, as a 17-year-old from Venezuela in 2010 in the same international signing class as Renato Nunez. Torres flew under the radar a bit in Rule 5 considerations because he's only barely reached High-A Stockton this year, and even then only after 44 games in Low-A Beloit's bullpen. Alex Hall mentioned that there's a lot to like about Torres in his international prospects roundup at the end of August.

Fernando Abad had an up-and-down season for the A's, finishing with a 4.15 ERA. Abad was out of options and might not have survived what should be a significant overhaul of the Oakland bullpen.

Craig Gentry stumbled badly out of the gate in 2015, finding himself demoted to Triple-A Nashville after starting 3-for-his-first-38. Gentry did not show signs that he was returning to form in Nashville, hitting just .256/.319/.327 for them.

The A's 40-man roster is full, and they will still have to make another move for left-handed starting pitcher Rich Hill once his signing becomes official following a physical.