NEW YORK (AP) -The Oakland Athletics activated shortstop Bobby Crosby from the disabled list Friday and moved left-hander Dallas Braden into their rotation.
Braden, who had been pitching in relief, will replace Joe Blanton in the rotation. Blanton was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday for three minor leaguers.
Blanton had been scheduled to start Friday night against the New York Yankees in the opener of a three-game series. Left-hander Greg Smith got the ball instead, to be followed by Sean Gallagher on Saturday and All-Star Justin Duchscherer on Sunday.
Braden is slated to start Tuesday night at Tampa Bay, after Dana Eveland goes Monday against the Rays.
The A’s also purchased Lenny DiNardo’s contract from Triple-A Sacramento. This is DiNardo’s third stint with the club this season, and manager Bob Geren said the lefty will work out of the bullpen.
DiNardo was expected to arrive at Yankee Stadium in time to be available Friday night.
Crosby, who had been sidelined since July 3 with a strained left hamstring, was in the starting lineup against the Yankees. He was hitting .260 with four homers and 38 RBIs before landing on the DL for the sixth time in his career.
“Now we know he’s 100 percent,” Geren said.
Braden was recalled from Sacramento last week for his fourth stint with Oakland this season. He was 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA over eight appearances with the A’s, all in relief.
The A’s also optioned infielder Gregorio Petit to Sacramento on Thursday.
In other news, right fielder Ryan Sweeney was back in the lineup from a dislocated finger, but first baseman Daric Barton sat out with a stiff neck.
“Hopefully, he’ll be fine by tomorrow,” Geren said, adding that Barton was available off the bench.
Jack Hannahan started at first base for Oakland.
Geren also said injured designated hitter Frank Thomas (right quadriceps tendinitis) would take batting practice Friday.
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