Adam

Piatt

Scott Hatteberg left the game after fouling a ball off his foot and Piatt replaced him.

One scout indicated there is limited trade interest in Piatt, but that he definitely would be claimed if the A’s tried to send him to Triple-A Sacramento. Piatt, who is out of options, rarely plays, and when he has he’s batted just .184 with three RBIs.

The job almost surely will go to Piatt, who is out of options. One of the other players could get a spot if Chris Singleton goes on the DL, but the A’s don’t believe that move will be necessary.

Ron Gant is 0-for-7, so Piatt is making a strong bid for more at-bats against left-handers.

The single snapped an 0-for-22 skid for Piatt, who has been passed by Eric Byrnes for playing time and has no value.

If manager Lou Piniella is trying to make the Piatt pickup look as bad as possible, he’s doing a great job of it. Piniella said last month that he planned to give Piatt some time at third base, but that has yet to happen. Piatt doesn’t appear to have any fantasy value right now.

Really nice of the Devil Rays to claim Piatt off waivers and then just not use him at all last year. It was another setback in a career that’s had little else over the last three years. Hopefully, the next team that signs Piatt will actually want him.

It’s unclear whether he will return. The Indians said his status would be clarified in the next few days.

Piatt left the team for personal reasons a few days. This is most likely a temporary retirement. He’ll probably resurface with some club’s Triple-A affiliate later this season.

Piatt picked the wrong team to sign with. It’s possible that he could stick as a DH against left-handed pitchers, but that’s pretty much his upside on the Indians.