Athletics to sign Cody Ross to major-league deal

Oakland has been seeking outfield depth due to Coco Crisp being sidelined following surgery, and the club was able to add an experienced bat on Tuesday. According to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, the Athletics will sign Cody Ross to a major-league deal after he clears release waivers on Wednesday.

Ross, 34, posted a .256/.306/.322 batting line to complement two home runs and 15 RBIs in 83 games last season. He signed a three-year, $26 million deal with Arizona after 2012 however has been inconsistent as a result of injuries. Oakland will only be responsible for a portion of the league minimum with regard to Ross' salary. The Diamondbacks, on the contrary, will pay the $8.5 million remaining on his contract in 2015.

Arizona was quick to lock Ross up after he had a solid 2012 campaign with the Red Sox. Hip surgery and calf injuries have limited his playing time, and Mark Trumbo, Yasmany Tomas, David Peralta, and Ender Inciarte give the Diamondbacks outfield depth, with no room for Ross on the roster.

In the absence of Crisp, the Athletics will likely use Ross in left field, however he can play all three outfield spots. Sam Fuld and Craig Gentry are responsible for center field, and Josh Reddick, once healthy and activated from the disabled list, will be the club's starting right fielder.

While Ross is expected to be in the lineup on a daily basis, he has been notably effective against lefties in his career. He has posted a .294/.360/.557 line against left-handed pitchers over 11 major league seasons.

Although the Athletics will add Ross after he clears waivers, he was not the only option the club was linked to. After Crisp's elbow surgery which will keep him out between six and eight weeks, Carlos Quentin was also a possibility. Rosenthal added the Rangers were also interested in adding Ross.