Athletics reinstate Montas from PED suspension amid wild-card race

The Oakland Athletics reinstated Frankie Montas from the restricted list following the pitcher's 80-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's performance-enhancing drug policy.

Catcher Beau Taylor was designated for assignment in a corresponding move, the team announced.

Montas is tabbed to start Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Angels.

The 26-year-old right-hander rejoins the club in the midst of a contentious battle for the top American League wild-card spot. The Athletics hold a 1/2-game lead on the Tampa Bay Rays and are one game up on the Cleveland Indians. Montas will still be ineligible for postseason play.

Montas began serving his suspension in late June and was in the midst of a breakout campaign as Oakland's best starting pitcher. The right-hander authored a 2.70 ERA and 2.91 FIP over 15 starts.

Despite losing Montas, the Athletics stayed in the postseason picture thanks in part to the trade deadline additions of Homer Bailey and Tanner Roark.