OAKLAND – Reacting to their depleted outfield depth, the A’s are primed to sign outfielder Cody Ross, according to a report from Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.
Ross was released by the Arizona Diamondbacks over the weekend but can’t officially clear release waivers until tomorrow. Once that happens, the A’s will add him according to the report. Oakland is without starting outfielders Coco Crisp and Josh Reddick right now. Reddick, sidelined by an oblique injury, is on track to come off the disabled list Saturday. Crisp is expected to miss six to eight weeks after undergoing arthroscopic elbow surgery Friday.
[RELATED: A's will wait for timetable on Coco Crisp's return]
Ross, 34, is familiar to Bay Area fans for winning the NLCS MVP in 2010 with the Giants and helping them to a World Series title that season. He hit 22 homers for Boston in 2012 but he’s appeared in less than 100 games with Arizona each of the past two seasons and has hit .268 with a combined 10 home runs and 53 RBI over that time.
The right-handed hitting Ross would be an option at either corner outfield spot for the A’s, who would only be responsible for a pro-rated portion of the major league minimum. The Diamondbacks are on the hook for the rest of his $8.5 million salary and $1 million buyout for next season.
Sources: Cody Ross joining #Athletics once he clears waivers tomorrow. #Rangers also have shown interest.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 7, 2015
#DBacks will pay nearly all of Ross’ $9.5M obligation ($8.5M, $1M buyout). #Athletics will owe only pro-rated portion of minimum salary.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 7, 2015
