The A’s on Tuesday called up utility man Arismendy Alcantara, the player they received from the Chicago Cubs for Chris Coghlan.
Reliever Daniel Coulombe was optioned to Triple-A Nashville to clear a roster spot for Alcantara, a 24-year-old switch hitter who is leading the Pacific Coast League in stolen bases. He’s a perfect 26-for-26 on steal attempts.
With the A’s stumbling through a 4-12 June and buried in the American League West standings, an injection of youth and speed can only be seen as a good thing right now. The A’s were in need of a versatile bench player with Tyler Ladendorf being sent down over the weekend, and it stands to reason the A’s will find ways to get Alcantara on the field one way or another.
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He was playing strictly second base for the Cubs’ Triple-A team before his June 9 trade to Oakland. For Nashville, Alcantara saw time at second, shortstop and center field. He’s also played third base and both corner outfield spots in his professional career.
Alcantara made his major league debut in 2014 and is a .194 career hitter with 10 home runs and 30 RBI in 81 games.