Oakland A’s designate Stephen Vogt for assignment, place Matt Chapman on disabled list

Popular Oakland Athletics team leader Stephen Vogt has been designated for assignment. The two-time All-Star catcher first joined the A’s organization in the 2013 season, helping the team advance to the postseason in 2013 and 2014. Vogt has struggled at the plate this year, however, batting .217/.287/.357 in 174 plate appearances.

In other transaction news, Matt Chapman was placed on the 10-day disabled list retroactive to June 19 as he recovers from a knee infection, officially termed “left knee cellulitis,” that has kept him out against the Houston Astros. The A’s have recalled catcher Bruce Maxwell and 1B/OF Matt Olson.

Vogt is out of options, and the A’s will have 10 days in which to either trade Vogt, have him clear waivers and send him to the minor leagues, or release him. If he does clear waivers, Vogt has the right to elect free agency as a player with at least three years of service time, though he would forego the remainder of his $2,965,000 salary he is receiving in his first arbitration-eligible year.