UPDATE (2:05 p.m. on Wednesday) -- The A's officially optioned Billy Burns to Triple-A Nashville and designated outfielder Alex Hassan for assignment in order to clear a roster spot for Cody Ross, the team announced in a press release.
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The A's announced they've signed free agent outfielder Cody Ross, who was released over the weekend by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
For Oakland, it's a low-risk move to try to shore up outfield depth with Coco Crisp out several weeks following arthroscopic elbow surgery.
The Diamondbacks are on the hook for the majority of his $8.5 million salary (plus a $1 million buyout on his 2016 option), with the A's only responsible for a pro-rated portion of the major league minimum.
The right-handed hitting Ross gives the A's a corner outfield option against left-handed starters and a veteran bat off the bench. Manager Bob Melvin has indicated that Mark Canha, another right-handed hitter, will platoon at first with Ike Davis, so there could be at-bats available in the outfield.
The A's have yet to announce a corresponding roster move, but outfielder Billy Burns would appear a candidate to be optioned to the minors.
Ross appeared in just 83 games for Arizona last season, hitting .252 with two home runs and 15 RBI.
His best season came in 2009 when he hit .270 with 24 home runs and 90 RBI with the Marlins.
