A's add Lamb to address infield need

After losing two third basemen on the same day, the A’s reached outside of the organization for help on Monday with the addition of veteran infielder Jake Lamb.

Lamb, who was designated for assignment by the D-backs on Friday, was expected to arrive in Seattle on Monday afternoon in time for the club's second game of a doubleheader against the Mariners.

Lamb was an All-Star in 2017, slashing .248/.357/.487 with 30 home runs and 105 RBIs. But shoulder injuries have plagued the 29-year-old infielder in recent years, limiting him to 152 games over the past three seasons. With the deadline for postseason-eligible players to be added to the roster on Tuesday, Lamb is eligible for the playoffs after signing on Monday.

"There's a pretty good body of work," A's manager Bob Melvin. "This is a guy who can really help us. I know he's excited about being here. He's going to get an opportunity."

The search for another third baseman began after the club announced on Saturday that Matt Chapman would undergo season-ending surgery on his right hip. Chad Pinder, who was expected to get an uptick in playing time at the hot corner in place of Chapman, sustained a right hamstring in Saturday’s doubleheader and was placed on the 10-day injured list, increasing the necessity for another infielder.

For the interim, the A’s recalled utility infielder Nate Orf from the club’s alternate training site on Sunday to take Pinder’s spot on the roster. Orf, 30, was a non-roster invite to Spring Training for the A’s after spending his 2019 campaign in the Brewers’ system at Triple-A San Antonio, where he hit .272 with 11 home runs and 54 RBIs over 125 games.

“I loved him [in Spring Training],” Melvin said. “Versatile, scrappy player that can play any position and gives you a tough at-bat. I think he’s a nice guy to have in our pool. He was the right guy.”

Pinder will undergo an MRI in Seattle, where the A’s were scheduled to play a doubleheader on Monday against the Mariners. The A’s recalled right-hander James Kaprielian as the 29th man for the doubleheader.

Melvin wasn’t sure how long Pinder might be sidelined.

“Pinder is a guy that has been a leader with these guys all through the Minor Leagues,” Melvin said. “Pinder is the guy that keeps everybody under control. He has a great way of talking to guys and understanding what they’re going through. Hopefully, we have him around. My guess is he’ll rehab with us. He’s very impactful in our clubhouse.”

The A's placed left-hander A.J. Puk on the 45-day injured list to make room for Lamb on the 40-man roster. Puk won't be returning to the club this season as he is set to undergo shoulder surgery on Wednesday.

Martin Gallegos covers the A's for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @MartinJGallegos.