Oakland A’s recall Tyler Ladendorf, option Dillon Overton to Nashville

The Oakland Athletics have recalled utility player Tyler Ladendorf and optioned left-handed pitcher Dillon Overton to Triple-A Nashville. The A’s now have a backup infielder after the A’s played short-handed for a few days as the club initially figured out whether to place Sean Doolittle on the disabled list and then needed bullpen help after the high-scoring Giants series.

Ladendorf has been on a bit of a run in Triple-A, hitting .344/.400/.406 with two doubles in his last nine games. There’s a chance the right-handed batting Ladendorf could get a start with the A’s facing two lefties in the upcoming series against Pittsburgh, but he’s not starting tonight against left-hander Jeff Locke with the A’s electing to put Jake Smolinski in center field (no word yet on whether this is more than a day off for Coco Crisp and Billy Burns):

Ladendorf hasn’t had a lot of MLB playing time, often appearing as a pinch runner or defensive substitute. At the major league level, Ladendorf is 2-for-25 with a walk.

Dillon Overton returns to Nashville after an unimpressive second start, allowing six runs in the third inning and two more without retiring anyone in the fourth on Thursday. The A’s will continue to play with an eight-man bullpen until Rich Hill is activated from the disabled list to join the rotation on Saturday.