Athletics DFA Griffin to make room for Hill on roster
Kirby Lee / USA TODAY Sports
The Oakland Athletics have finally cut ties with injury-plagued right-hander A.J. Griffin.
A 14-game winner in 2013, Griffin hasn't pitched in the majors the past two seasons following Tommy John surgery, and was designated for assignment on Friday in order to clear room on the roster for Rich Hill.
Related: Rich Hill agrees to 1-year, $6M deal with Athletics
"I'll miss being part of the team I got my first shot with, and the fans, they're incredible with their support," Griffin said.
The 27-year-old pitched sparingly last season in Triple-A, allowing six earned runs - five home runs - in 14 1/3 innings. Griffin told reporters that he wasn't shocked by the decision, and is healthy.