Oakland A’s activate Josh Reddick, option Max Muncy

The Oakland A’s activated Josh Reddick from the 15-day disabled list ahead of Tuesday’s contest against the San Francisco Giants. The club optioned 1B/3B/OF Max Muncy to Triple-A Nashville to open a space on the 25-man roster.

Reddick completed six games on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville. He was 3-for-25 with a walk, a double, and a home run. Reddick’s rehab trip was extended from a planned four games after he was reportedly “not entirely comfortable the plate” after going 1-for-16 (Susan Slusser, San Francisco Chronicle). Last Sunday, Reddick went 2-for-4 with a double and a home run.

The A’s will be happy to have the right fielder back, who was enjoying a .322/.394/.466 year at the plate through 41 games before suffering a thumb injury on May 19. Reddick will bat third Tuesday against Giants right-hander Albert Suarez.

Max Muncy picked up most of his appearances in right field in Reddick’s stead. He was 7-for-30 with five walks in his most recent stint for a .233/.343/.300 line.

Jake Smolinski remains as an extra outfielder behind Reddick, Khris Davis, Coco Crisp, and Billy Burns. If Billy Butler plays first base against left-handers, I could see Smolinski playing in left field or right field to let Davis or Reddick DH. Smolinski is hitting .293/.317/.500 (115 wRC+), and .375/.444/.833 (239 wRC+) with three home runs in 27 plate appearances against left-handed pitching.