Oakland A's release designated hitter Brandon Moss

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Wednesday, March 7, 2018

MESA, Ariz. -- Designated hitter Brandon Moss has been released by the Oakland Athletics.

Moss was acquired from Kansas City on Jan. 29 and was 4-for-10 with two walks in four spring training games. He was designated for assignment when Oakland claimed left-hander Jairo Labourt off waivers from Cincinnati on Sunday.

Moss is guaranteed $7.25 million this season and a $1 million buyout of his 2019 club option. He was acquired along with left-hander Ryan Buchter for right-handers Jesse Hahn and Heath Fillmyer, and the Royals agreed to pay Oakland $3.25 million.

If the 34-year-old Moss signs with another team, a prorated share of the $545,000 minimum would be offset against what he is owed by the A's, who announced his release Tuesday.

Moss hit .207 with 22 homers and 50 RBIs in 118 games for Kansas City last year and has a .237 average with 160 homers and 473 RBIs in 11 big league seasons with Boston (2007-08), Pittsburgh (2008-10), Philadelphia (2011), Oakland (2012-14), Cleveland (2015), St. Louis (2015-16) and Kansas City (2017).