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The Athletics have designated reliever John Axford for assignment, the club announced Thursday morning. With fellow reliever Ryan Dull reinstated from the 10-day disabled list, Axford was the odd man out on a young Oakland pitching staff.
Axford, 34, signed a two-year, $10 million deal with Oakland before 2016, and pitched nicely with the club last season (3.97 ERA in 65.2 innings). However, Axford hasn't been able to find his groove in 2017, as he's allowed 15 ER in just 21.0 innings. The right-hander's 6.43 ERA and 7.3 BB/9 this season are both career worsts for the nine-year veteran.
Axford had a 1.95 ERA and led the majors with 46 saves with the Brewers in 2011. The Canadian-born pitcher has thrown for the Brewers, Cardinals, Indians, Pirates, Rockies, and Athletics in his nine big league seasons.
In related Athletics news, here's a full rundown on the Sonny Gray saga that will soon come to a conclusion as the July 31st deadline nears. For a full list of all the deals already completed at this year's deadline, click here.