Athletics designate Brandon Hicks, Jim Miller for assignment

The Oakland Athletics have designated infielder Brandon Hicks and right-hander Jim Miller for assignment to free up room on their 40-man roster, the team has announced:

To clear space on the roster, #Athletics outright Andrew Carignan to Sacramento and designate Brandon Hicks and Jim Miller for assignment.

— Oakland Athletics (@Athletics) November 20, 2012

In addition to Hicks and Miller, the A’s outrighted Andrew Carignan to Triple-A. In corresponding moves Oakland added Arnold Leon, Grant Green, Shane Peterson and Michael Ynoa to the 40-man roster.

Hicks was selected in the third round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves. After spending five seasons with the Braves, Hicks was claimed off waivers by the Athletics.

The 27-year-old spent 22 games with Oakland last season, collecting 11 hits, including five doubles and three home runs, over 64 at-bats.

Miller, 30, spent most of last season pitching out of Oakland’s bullpen. The right-hander posted a solid ERA of 2.59 over 33 appearances spanning 48 2/3 innings. Over parts of three seasons at the major league level he’s maintained an ERA of 2.42.