TORONTO – The need for a versatile infielder prompted the A’s to promote Tyler Ladendorf from Triple-A Nashville on Friday, as Danny Valencia was placed on the 15-day disabled list as expected with a strained left hamstring.
Ladendorf showed his jack-of-all-trades ability in spring training 2015, when he surprisingly won an Opening Night roster spot. He suffered a badly sprained left ankle that required surgery and sidelined him for a large chunk of last season before he made it back to the bigs in September.
Now he’ll give the A’s the backup infielder they needed, and his ability to play shortstop in a pinch is a particular bonus.