The A’s added five minor leaguers to their 40-man roster Friday to protect them from the Rule 5 draft, including shortstop and top prospect Franklin Barreto.
Friday was the deadline to protect players from the Rule 5 draft, which takes place Dec. 8 and allows teams to pluck players from other organizations who aren’t on the 40-man roster. Infielder Yairo Munoz, ranked the A’s No. 7 prospect by mlb.com, also was added to the roster along with outfielder Jaycob Brugman and pitchers Paul Blackburn and Bobby Wahl.
Oakland had 36 players on the 40-man leading into Friday, so pitcher Josh Smith was outrighted to Triple-A Nashville to clear a needed spot.