The Athletics have placed first baseman Nick Kurtz on the 10-day injured list due to a strained left hip flexor and called up outfielder Drew Avans from Triple-A Las Vegas, where he was hitting .328 with four home runs. Additionally, the team acquired veteran lefty Sean Newcomb from the Red Sox, who has a 3.95 ERA this season but has struggled with injuries. To make room on the 40-man roster, the A’s designated Matt Krook and Ryan Cusick for assignment, while Seth Brown was outrighted to Las Vegas after a disappointing season, contributing to the team’s struggles at the bottom of the AL West.