The Oakland Athletics have designated veteran infielder Gio Urshela for assignment, announcing the decision earlier today. In response, the team recalled Brett Harris from their Triple-A affiliate and claimed left-handed pitcher Jared Shuster off waivers to add depth to their 40-man roster.
Urshela’s Performance and Role with the Athletics
Gio Urshela, 33, joined the Athletics during the offseason as a free-agent signing and started the season as their third baseman. Despite his experience and presence in the clubhouse, Urshela struggled offensively, batting .238 with a .613 OPS and no home runs. His inability to provide consistent offense led the team to promote Brett Harris in his stead.
Connections Among Former Yankees Teammates
The Athletics initially acquired Urshela alongside veteran starter Luis Severino, hoping to reestablish a familiar tandem from their New York Yankees days. Both players, along with Miguel Andujar, previously played together in Sacramento before the A’s traded Andujar to the Cincinnati Reds prior to the trade deadline. With Urshela now designated for assignment, Severino remains the sole member of this trio on the Athletics roster.
Brett Harris Poised for Increased Opportunity at Third Base
Brett Harris, recalled from Triple-A, had a difficult tenure in the major leagues last season, posting a .146 batting average and an OPS below .600 in 103 at-bats. However, Harris showed improvement this year in Triple-A with the Las Vegas Aviators, hitting .282 with an .869 OPS over 216 at-bats and significantly reducing his strikeout rate to 15.1%. His defensive skills remain solid, and with both Urshela and Andujar off the roster, Harris could see substantial playing time at third base.
Nonetheless, the returns of Max Muncy and Jacob Wilson, who is set to begin his rehab assignment with Las Vegas on Saturday, may influence how playing time is distributed. Wilson’s progress might also open up opportunities for Darell Hernaiz to assume third base duties.
Adding Left-Handed Depth: Claiming Jared Shuster
The Athletics claimed 27-year-old left-handed pitcher Jared Shuster from the Chicago White Sox to further strengthen their pitching options. Shuster, a 2020 first-round pick out of Wake Forest, has experienced challenges securing consistent success at the major league level. He has played for teams including the Atlanta Braves and Chicago White Sox, posting a 5.81 ERA as a starter in 2023 with Atlanta and a 4.30 ERA mainly in relief for the White Sox in 2024.
This season, Shuster has struggled with an 8.04 ERA across 15.2 innings pitched in the majors, and his Triple-A figures with the White Sox were similarly difficult, with a 6.04 ERA over 22 innings. Despite these setbacks, the Athletics see promise in Shuster’s potential and will assign him to their Triple-A team in Las Vegas.
What These Changes Mean for the Athletics Moving Forward
By designating Gio Urshela for assignment and bringing aboard Jared Shuster, the Athletics are making strategic moves aimed at reshaping their roster and improving overall depth. Urshela’s designation underscores the team’s need for better offensive production, while Harris’s promotion highlights their investment in younger talent showing progress in the minors. Meanwhile, Shuster’s addition indicates a willingness to develop pitching prospects with upside despite recent struggles.
As the season unfolds, the playing time for third base may fluctuate depending on the health and performance of returning players like Max Muncy and Jacob Wilson, while Shuster’s development in Triple-A could influence pitching staff decisions. These roster adjustments reflect the Athletics’ efforts to stay competitive and adapt during a critical stretch of the season.