A's pitchers Venditte, Martin claimed off waivers

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Editor's Note: The above video is from an episode of All A's on Sept. 18.

Pat Venditte’s time with the A’s came to an end Monday as the ambidextrous reliever was claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays.

That was one of a series of roster moves as Oakland made an effort to clear space on its 40-man roster, a common move from major league teams at this time of the year. Right-hander Cody Martin was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners, outfielder Jason Pridie was released so he could pursue an opportunity to play in Japan, and catcher Bryan Anderson was outrighted to Triple-A Nashville, which removes him from the 40-man.

Venditte’s stint with the A’s this season was historic, as he became the first full-time “switch-pitcher” to appear in a major league game during the modern era. He made his debut June 5 by throwing two scoreless innings at Fenway Park, and that came after seven seasons spent toiling in the minors for the Yankees. The White Sox’s Greg Harris pitched with both arms in a 1995 game, but Harris predominantly was a right-hander.

The switch-pitcher went 2-2 with a 4.40 ERA in 26 appearances spread over two stints with Oakland. He showed the potential to perhaps be in the bullpen picture for next season, but Venditte did have trouble retiring right-handed batters, who batted .288 against him with a.508 slugging percentage. Lefties hit .109 and slugged .239 against him.

Venditte isn’t eligible to pitch this postseason for the Blue Jays.

Teams often clear space on the 40-man roster this time of year so they can add prospects to it and shield them from being eligible for selection in the Rule 5 draft, which is held in December.

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