ESPN News Services
The Oakland Athletics have released veteran shortstop Elvis Andrus, it was announced Wednesday.
Andrus, who hit a home run in the Athletics’ 5-1 victory against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night, voiced his frustrations about playing time this past weekend.
“Everybody knows I’m an everyday player. So doing this, it’s not fun for me,” Andrus told the San Francisco Chronicle on Friday after not being in the starting lineup for the fourth time in seven games. “Of course I’m upset. I’m pissed about it. But like I said, the best I can do is stay positive and wait for my turn and be ready whatever happens.”
Andrus, who is making $14 million this season, has 386 plate appearances, and he needed to reach 550 to convert a $15 million team option for 2023 into a player option.
“I totally understand it and respect it,” manager Mark Kotsay said before Wednesday night’s game at Texas. “Any time a veteran player who’s played every day sees his playing time get cut and the direction of the organization going young, it’s a difficult transition.”
Kotsay said the move also will allow Andrus to catch on with a contender.
“I do feel it’s real that Elvis Andrus is going to be on a playoff team with a chance to go a World Series,” Kotsay said.
Andrus’ departure came one day after outfielder Stephen Piscotty was released. Veteran A’s catcher Stephen Vogt said it doesn’t get any easier to see experienced teammates released.
“I’ve been a victim of it multiple times in my career,” said Vogt, 37. “It’s an ugly side of our business.”
Andrus, who turns 34 on Aug. 26, is hitting .237 with eight home runs and 30 RBIs this season. He played his first 12 seasons with the Rangers before being traded to Oakland in February 2021.
The two-time American League All-Star selection is a career .270 hitter with 87 homers and 703 RBIs in 1,904 career games.
The Athletics, who are mired in last place in the AL West, have recalled infielder Sheldon Neuse from Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding roster move. The 27-year-old Neuse appeared in 70 games with the A’s earlier this season, batting .227 with three homers and 21 RBIs.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.