
April 29, 2011
CSNCalifornia.com staff
A's catcher Kurt Suzuki will take his first at-bat as a dad tonight against the Texas Rangers.Suzuki and his wife Renee became first-time parents on Thursday, welcoming baby Malia Grace. Suzuki was taken off the Paternity Leave List today.He is currently batting .243 with a home run and three RBI in 21 games this season. As pitchers have a 2.87 ERA with him behind the plate, which is the third best catchers ERA in the American League and fourth best in the Major Leagues. Last year, Suzuki tied for the team lead in RBI (71) and tied for second in home runs (13) despite missing 19 games while on the Disabled List and three while on the Bereavement List.In a related move, the team optioned catcher Josh Donaldson to Triple-A Sacramento.The A's start a 7-game homestand tonight against Ron Washington and the Texas Rangers.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.