Nate

Freiman

Freiman was briefly a member of Houston’s organization, selected in the second round of this winter’s Rule 5 Draft from the Padres. Oakland claimed the massive first baseman off waivers when he failed to make the Astros’ Opening Day roster. Freiman has shredded Houston pitching this year, blasting two home runs, collecting six RBI and posting a 1.102 OPS over 13 at-bats. He hasn’t been as effective against the rest of the league, but Freiman’s .245/.339/.434 slash line is plenty good enough for a rookie Rule 5 selection.

The two clubs went from the top of the third to the top of the 18th without scoring any runs, but the A’s finally put an end to things in the 18th. After Preston Claiborne allowed a one-out single, Rivera gave up two broken-bat singles sandwiched around an intentional walk. Freiman’s walk-off hit came against a tough righty, but nearly all of his production this season has been against lefties, as he’s sporting a .338/.395/.515 batting line against them.

Freiman batted .298/.370/.502 with 24 home runs and 105 RBI in 137 games this past season at Double-A San Antonio. He could turn out to be a steal for Houston.

The move would allow the team to keep Carlos Pena at designated hitter and play Brett Wallace at first base while allowing young slugger Nate Freiman to move around. Carter, 26, was acquired from the A’s Monday in a five-player trade that sent shortstop Jed Lowrie to Oakland. Carter hit 16 home runs in 218 at-bats in 2012, and a move to left field could give him added position eligibility in fantasy leagues with certain settings.

Freiman was selected in the second round of last month’s Rule 5 Draft and would have to be returned to the Padres if he does not land a spot on the Astros’ roster this spring. “It’s a big jump from the Texas League to the big leagues,” Luhnow told MLB.com, “but if he hits the way we hope he will, he’ll work his way on the team.”

Freiman is a Rule 5 pick, so he’ll have to make the Athletics’ Opening Day roster or be offered back to the Padres. Fernando Rodriguez (elbow) was placed on the 60-day disabled list in a corresponding move.

The A’s claimed Freiman -- a Rule 5 Draft pick -- off waivers from the Astros on March 23. The 6-foot-8 first baseman has made a good impression in his short time in camp and should get starts against left-handers.

The A’s begin a three-game series in Houston Friday night. It’s not clear how many, if any, games Moss will miss, but he won’t be away long. Nate Freiman figures to fill in at first base if need be.

Freiman’s two-out, three-homer homer in the first inning sent Erik Bedard to the showers. It was the big first baseman’s only hit on the night and his first hit in his last 11 at-bats. He’ll continue to see occasional playing time at first base and DH but shouldn’t be owned in fantasy leagues.

He’s just getting the day off. Chris Young will make the start in right field while Nate Freiman serves as the DH.