Shane

Peterson

The 30-year-old Peterson hit .286/.343/.451 for the Padres’ Triple-A club last year. He does offer some defensive value in the outfield, but the bat hasn’t been strong enough to allow him to stick as a reserve. He’s a career .254/.319/.358 hitter in 287 major league at-bats.

He’s now protected from the Rule 5 Draft. Peterson, 24, batted .326/.460/.510 with nine homers and 13 steals between Double-A and Triple-A in 2012. He’s viewed as an extra outfielder but could make his debut sometime next season.

Peterson will provide some extra depth while Brandon Moss is the paternity leave list. He’s unlikely to be fantasy relevant during his brief stay with the club.

Moss left the team Tuesday for the birth of his child. Shane Peterson should be optioned to Triple-A Sacramento once he’s ready to return.

Moss’ wife hasn’t had the baby yet, so the Athletics haven’t made a roster move. John Jaso, Josh Donaldson and Jed Lowrie will function as first base depth Friday if Moss is unavailable and Peterson isn’t added to the roster.

Peterson was up for a couple days while Brandon Moss was on paternity leave, picking up a hit and an RBI in seven at-bats. He should get another chance this summer.

Peterson was limited to just 15 games at Triple-A in the Brewers organization last season, but he did bat .347/.429/.694 with three homers. Slated to turn 29 in February, Peterson will compete for a bench job.

To make room for him, the Rays designated Shane Peterson for assignment. Rasmus is finally ready to make his Rays debut after missing the first month of the year with hip and core injuries. His rehab was also slowed by a lingering illness. Expect him to platoon with Peter Bourjos in left field.

The Rays needed to clear a spot for Colby Rasmus, who was activated from the disabled list on Tuesday. Peterson hit .263 with one homer and six RBI across 14 games for the Rays. The 29-year-old will likely head to Triple-A Durham if he clears waivers.

Colby Rasmus (hip) isn’t quite ready to return from the DL yet, so Peterson will take Mallex Smith’s (hamstring) roster spot. His stay figures to be a short one.