The Oakland Athletics needed to clear up two roster spots on the 40-man roster for the four prospects incoming from the Washington Nationals in the Gio Gonzalez trade. Today, the club announced in a press release they have designated catcher Landon Powell and outfielder Jai Miller for assignment.

Landon Powell told Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle the Athletics "hope he clears waivers," so they can keep him in the organization. Slusser was also surprised by the Jai Miller move, because he "had been mentioned as a possible OF option next spring."

• A's designate Powell and Miller for assignment | oaklandathletics.com: News
  "The Oakland A's designated catcher Landon Powell and outfielder Jai Miller for assignment, the club announced today. The moves were necessary to clear space on the 40-man roster following today's trade."
• Twitter / @susanslusser - "That's something of a surprise, Miller had been mentioned as a possible OF option next spring. #Athletics must be hoping he clears waivers."