Alex Hassan DFA'd, Angel Castro promoted, R.J. Alvarez optioned to minors

The A's added Angel Castro to the 40-man roster today by cutting ties yet again with OF Alex Hassan. Robert Murray broke the news of Hassan's DFA first. By my count, this is the sixth time Hassan has been DFA'd in the last calendar year. You can't help but feel for the guy. Based on SuSlu's tweets below, it appears Castro will be up with the big club immediately. In 19 innings in Nashville, Castro has put up an ERA of 3.79 with 20 strikeouts. Get excited, people. No word on a corresponding move yet, but RJ Alvarez is a likely candidate to be sent back to Nashville, along with half the bullpen.

Looks as if the next reliever to join the #Athletics bullpen will be RH Angel Castro, with OF Alex Hassan getting DFA'd yet again.

— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) May 8, 2015

If you're wondering why it's not Pat Venditte, SuSlu has a possible explanation. I am certain that this will do little to quench our desire to see the switch pitcher up. The list of things I can't do with both hands is long and inappropriate. I am floored by a guy who has the ability to pitch with both, and eager to see it first hand.

To everyone asking why not Pat Venditte, I suspect it's his walk total. It's disappointing, I think we'd all like to see him.

— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) May 8, 2015

(from Jeremy F. Koo) Afternoon Update! R.J. Alvarez was optioned to Triple-A Nashville to clear space on the 25-man roster.