The big story out of A’s camp on Sunday was the news that five players were being sent down the road to the team’s minor league camp at Fitch Park. Infielders Max Muncy and Andy Parrino along with catcher Luke Carlin were reassigned to the minor league camp, while RHP Chris Bassitt and outfielder Alex Hassan were officially optioned to Nashville.
Bassitt had a tough spring and struggled particularly against left-handed hitters, but he’ll have the chance to straighten things out as a member of Nashville’s starting rotation, which could also include names like Brad Mills, Arnold Leon, Matt Buschmann, Rudy Owens, Zach Neal and, once he’s healthy, Sean Nolin.
Hassan went 8 for 18 for the A’s this spring but was slowed by a hamstring injury. He’s likely to be joined in Nashville’s outfield mix by Jason Pridie, Matt Angle and Billy Burns.
Muncy opened some eyes in camp this spring with a combination of pop and plate discipline while also putting in some time learning to play third base. He’s expected to spend time at both third and first at Nashville this season.
Parrino’s always been known for his steady glove, but it appears that he may have been eclipsed on the depth chart by Tyler Ladendorf, who’s still in big league camp and on the 40-man roster. He’s likely to spend plenty of time turning double plays at Nashville this year with second baseman Joe Wendle.
Carlin, a switch-hitter who was signed as a minor league free agent fairly late in the offseason, is expected to split time behind the plate at Nashville this season with fellow backstop Bryan Anderson.
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