A’s claim Nate Freiman off waivers from Astros

Have the A’s found their right-handed platoon option at first base? The A’s announced on Saturday they have claimed first baseman Nate Freiman off waivers from the Astros. Freiman, a 6-foot-8 (!!!!!!!!), 250-pound right-handed batter, hit .298/.370/.502 with 24 homers and 105 RBI in 137 games with the Padres’ Double-A affiliate last season. In 19 games this spring in Astros camp, he posted a .278 average with one home run and seven RBI. Because the Astros acquired him from San Diego in the Rule 5 Draft after the 2012 season, Freiman, 26, must remain on the A’s big league roster for the entire season or be offered back to the Padres. Fernando Rodriguez, with a torn UCL in his throwing elbow, was placed on the 60-day DL to clear a roster spot for Freiman. As opening day approaches, it’s been looking as if left handed-hitting Brandon Moss would be the team’s only true first baseman on the roster. With Freiman likely to be part of the team’s big league clubhouse during the season, it’s...