Chris Carter returns to the A's

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The A's have re-called first baseman Chris Carter from Sacramento, optioning Tyson Ross back to Triple-A.

Carter, 25, was hitting .279 and led the River Cats in RBIs (53), ranked second in walks (38) and runs (48), and was third on the team in doubles (19) and home runs (12).

The right-handed power-hitting first baseman is a notoriously slow starter, but was batting .386 with two homers, five RBIs, 11 runs, and four doubles over his last 12 games. Begging the question, what more can this one-time A's top prospect learn in the Minor Leagues. Carter had a rough time in three short stints with Oakland. He appeared in 39 games with the A's from 2010-2011. He hit just .167, with three home runs, and seven RBIs. He never got extended playing time. His first call up came in 2010 and resulted in an Oakland record 0 for 33 slump to start his big league career. After the slump, he hit .324 (12 for 37) with three homers and seven RBIs in his remaining 13 games in 2010. He was recalled in 2011, but had just returned from a thumb injury that caused him to miss time in Sacramento. He hadn't gotten his timing back before being brought up to the Major Leagues, and got inconsistent at-bats with Oakland before getting sent back down to Triple-A. The A's appeared to have found an answer at first base when they called up Brandon Moss on June 6. He hit .279 (12 for 43) with seven home runs and 12 RBIs in his first 13 games. He is struggling in his last seven games though, hitting .125 with no home runs or RBIs, and 11 strikeouts.
RELATED: Brandon Moss 2012 game logs
The question is if Carter can be an everyday first baseman. His main weakness is his defense, and the A's were hesitant to turn him into a full-time designated hitter. This season, he started 47 games at first base in Triple-A, with 25 games coming as the DH. Carter will need to find a way to stick with the A's, because he is running out of time to prove he isn't a bust.
RELATED: Tyson Ross 2012 game logs
Ross is 2-8 with a 6.35 ERA in 12 starts over three stints with the As this year. Having just started on Thursday, the A's can afford to send him down until they need another starting pitcher. This could be a sign that Bartolo Colon who is on the disabled list with a strained oblique muscle is nearing a return.

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