Nate

Orf

Orf went 0-for-7 in limited action last season with the Athletics and finishes as a career .071/.188/.179 hitter in 32 total plate appearances at the major league level. He turned 31 years old earlier this month.

The A’s initial lineup had Tommy La Stella at second base and Nate Orf at third base. However, La Stella will now make the start at third base. It’s unclear if there’s any sort of physical issue going on with Orf.

Orf, 30, struggled during a cup of coffee with the Brewers a couple years ago but has always performed well at Triple-A. He’ll give the A’s some versatility.

The 29-year-old spent the first seven seasons of his professional career in the Brewers’ organization -- most recently slashing .272/.399/.410 with 11 homers, 54 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 125 games at Triple-A San Antonio in 2019. He’ll add depth and versatility for the A’s.

Orf has been an excellent performer at the Triple-A level the last couple years, putting up a .307/.412/.463 batting line with six homers and 20 steals this season. The 28-year-old can play all over the diamond and will be making his major league debut when he gets into a game.

Orf was just optioned to Colorado Springs on Thursday, but finds himself right back with the big league club in the wake of the injury to Eric Thames. He’ll provide an extra utility option on the bench for at least a couple of days.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Xavier Cedeno. Orf has already cleared waivers and will remain in the organization.

Orf was optioned Saturday but can return a day later because he’s replacing an injured player. He’ll function in a utility role.

The 28-year-old went 1-for-9 (.111) and scored two runs in his limited action with the Brewers. He’ll continue to function as infield depth at Triple-A.

Orf is 1-for-14 (.071) this season at the major league level. But he has played very well at Triple-A and should get another shot in the second half.