Karros Is Designated for Assignment

The Oakland Athletics designated first baseman Eric Karros for assignment Tuesday.

The A’s also activated left-hander Chris Hammond from the 15-day disabled list. He has been out since June 12 because of a strained left shoulder.

Oakland has 10 days to trade Karros, release him or assign him outright to the minors. He was told late Monday by General Manager Billy Beane about the decision.

“Chris was coming back and we have a long road trip coming up and we’ve used our bullpen a lot,” Beane said Tuesday. “It fit our club and gave Eric a chance to go somewhere and get more playing time with another club.... He’s fine. He’s a pro.”

Karros, 36, batted .194 with two home runs and 11 runs batted in while starting 24 games for the A’s. The 14-year veteran signed with Oakland in February after 12 seasons with the Dodgers and one season with the Chicago Cubs.

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Chicago city officials want more information about netting the Cubs promised to install at Wrigley Field to protect fans from falling concrete before they decide if the team can play at the historic ballpark Friday.

Cub officials ordered the netting put up after three chunks of concrete fell from the undersides of the park’s upper deck since June 9. No injuries have been reported.

Department of Buildings spokesman Jack Beary said the city has the power to prevent Friday’s scheduled game against Philadelphia if the netting is not fully installed or if city officials conclude the netting does not adequately protect fans.

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Houston pitcher Andy Pettitte has a small tear in a tendon in his left elbow, and he might have to return to the disabled list for the third time this season. Team officials plan to evaluate the injury over the next couple of days before deciding on a course of action.... The New York Yankees were still waiting for test results that could explain why slugger Jason Giambi has been feeling so weak.... New York Met outfielder Shane Spencer was charged with driving under the influence when he was pulled over after being clocked at 96 mph by the Florida Highway Patrol in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Spencer, in Florida on an injury rehabilitation assignment, was released from jail on $350 bond.