The Athletics claimed minor league corner infielder Jeff Larish off waivers from the Tigers, reports MLB.com's Jason Beck. He'd been designated for assignment on Friday to clear a spot for Jeff Frazier. To make room for Larish on the 40-man roster, the A's designated infielder Adam Heether for assignment.
Larish, 28 in October, hit .275/.373/.497 at Triple A this year, his third stint at the level. He was coming off September wrist surgery. He's played both infield corner positions in his minor league career, as the Tigers moved him to third base once he became blocked by Miguel Cabrera at first. Before the 2009 season, Baseball America ranked Larish fifth among Tigers prospects (just ahead of the recently-traded Wilkin Ramirez). BA called Larish a "polarizing player among scouts," praising his raw power but questioning his batting stance, ability to cover the outside part of the plate, and problems hitting breaking pitches.
