Athletics' Top Prospect Franklin Barreto Called Up, Active vs. White Sox

The Oakland Athletics called up top prospect Franklin Barreto on Saturday and activated him for the team's game against the Chicago White Sox, according to White Sox announcer Jason Benetti.Baseball Americaranks Barreto as the No. 40 prospect in Major League Baseball, while MLB.com ranks him 44th.The A's alsoannouncedthat infielder Chad Pinder was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a left hamstring strain to make room for Barreto.Barreto is a 21-year-old native of Venezuela who has experience playing shortstop, second base and the outfield during his minor league career.He is enjoying a strong year at Triple-A Nashville with a .281 batting average, eight home runs and 32 RBI in 68 games.Barreto should add a significant boost to an Oakland offense that ranks 11th in home runs but just 23rd in runs scored and 28th in batting average.With Jed Lowrie locking down second base for the Athletics this season, Barreto figures to see the bulk of his playing time at shortstop.
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