Athletics activate Chris Young, DFA Daric Barton

The Oakland outfielder is ready to return from a strained quad.

By Connor Moylan May 18, 2013, 6:55pm EDT

The Oakland Athletics activated outfielder Chris Young off the disabled list, designating first baseman Daric Barton for assignment to make room for Young on the roster.

More A's: Athletics Nation

Oakland placed Young on the disabled list May 4, but made his DL stint retroactive to April 30. The outfielder strained his left quad in the team's 19-inning game against the Los Angeles Angels.

Young struggled in his first 101 plate appearances this season, hitting .172/.277/.391. The outfielder is a good candidate to bounce back, as he has still shown strong plate discipline and power numbers despite his low batting average. Young currently owns a .172 BABIP; his overall offensive numbers should improve as his BABIP regresses towards his career average.

Barton played eight games for Oakland at first base, which allowed the team to move Brandon Moss to the outfield with Josh Reddick on the DL. Barton, a former mainstay in the Oakland lineup, looked completely lost at the plate, hitting .143/.217/.286 in 23 plate appearances.

The Atlhetics designated the first baseman for assignment earlier this season. Barton chose to stay with the team and accept his minor-league assignment. To stay with Oakland, Barton will need to clear waivers and accept his minor-league assignment a second time.