Chad Pinder placed on IL, A.J. Puk recalled prior to A’s game against Dodgers

OAKLAND — The Oakland A’s made a flurry of moves on Monday before their series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Chad Pinder was placed on the 10-day IL after sustaining a left knee sprain in the very first at bat in Sunday’s game. He sprained it as he landed hard crashing into the wall, making a catch on Jose Altuve’s fly ball.

A.J. Puk was recalled from the A’s alternate site as an addition to a bullpen worn down by constant use throughout the four-game series against the Houston Astros. The A’s bullpen recorded a 8.56 ERA in the four losses.

Puk was a candidate for the rotation, but the coaching staff is still keeping a close eye on the left-hander on his way back from shoulder surgery he had this Fall. He should be able to pitch two-to-three innings, manager Bob Melvin said.

In other injury news, Ramón Laureano remained out of the lineup on Monday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers as he recovers still from a jammed wrist he suffered sliding into first base on Friday. But Sean Murphy, who missed three games after getting hit in the hand with a pitch on opening night, was back in the lineup and behind the dish on Monday.

With Pinder out, don’t expect Stephen Piscotty to fill in with regular playing time. Piscotty hasn’t been getting regular playing time in the outfield, only getting one start so far this season. Melvin indicated he may be more of a platoon option in the outfield, facing left-handed pitchers with Tony Kemp and Ka’ai Tom perhaps getting more time in the outfield corners against right-handed pitchers. Piscotty will start on Tuesday against left-hander Clayton Kershaw.

The San Francisco Giants claimed Skye Bolt off waivers on Monday night. Bolt was one of a handful of A’s minor league outfielders on the big league bubble without a clear path to a big league job. He was designated for assignment on Thursday to make room for infielder Jed Lowrie on the 40-man roster.

Bolt had a career .254/.347/.419 line with a .766 OPS in the A’s system, including 32 big league games.