The Oakland Athletics activated first baseman Ike Davis and right-handed reliever Edward Mujica from the 15-day disabled list, the team announced Friday afternoon. To clear space on the active roster, the A's designated infielder Andy Parrino for assignment and optioned pitcher Arnold Leon to Triple-A Nashville.
Ike Davis, Max Muncy, and the infield configuration
Ike Davis missed 33 games since his last appearance on May 13 due to a Grade 2 left quadriceps strain. The first baseman played five games on his rehabilitation assignment with the Nashville Sounds, four at first base and one as the designated hitter. He went 5-for-21 with a double, no walks, and five strikeouts. In the majors, Davis is hitting .282/.348/.427 in 115 plate appearances (122 wRC+), all but eight against right-handed pitching. His 125 wRC+ against right-handers this year is fifth best on the team (min. 10 PAs).
Max Muncy would have been the other choice to be optioned to the minor leagues, but perhaps Brett Lawrie's occasional back issues prompted the A's to keep the batter bat as backup at the hot corner. Muncy has been creditable in his first trip to the major leagues, going 16-for-75 with two home runs, seven doubles, eight walks, and 22 strikeouts while playing first base and third base. The 24-year-old's .213/.286/.387 line is good for a 90 wRC+.
Muncy does not seem to have a starting position in the lineup against right-handed batters unless the A's intend to platoon Billy Butler and move Davis or even Muncy into the designated hitter role. Butler has struggled against righties this year (.264/.298/.353, 84 wRC+, 3 HR in 215 PAs). However, Billy Butler remains the starting designated hitter in tonight's lineup against right-handed pitcher Matt Shoemaker.
Andy Parrino was up primarily as a defensive replacement, and could play good defense at second, short, and third. He appeared in 17 games and is credited with just eight plate appearances. He had two walks, struck out five times, and put just one ball in play (a lineout to left).
Edward Mujica returns to the bullpen
Right-handed reliever Edward Mujica returns to the A's after missing 26 games with a broken thumb suffered on a comebacker on May 21. Mujica pitched 5⅓ scoreless innings for the A's after being traded for a player to be named later or cash on May 9 from the Boston Red Sox. Including his innings with the Red Sox, Mujica has a 3.32 ERA in 2015. Mujica made two rehabilitation appearances with the Stockton Ports, pitching two innings while striking out four and walking none.
Arnold Leon returns to the Nashville Sounds after only appearing in Oakland's 16-2 romp over the San Diego Padres on June 17. He pitched one inning, striking out one and allowing one hit, to lower his ERA to 4.26.