Athletics claim Nick Buss off waivers from Dodgers

OAKLAND -- The Athletics have claimed outfielder Nick Buss off waivers from the Dodgers, the team announced on Sunday. Buss was designated for assignment by the Dodgers on Wednesday to make room for Red Patterson to start the second game of a doubleheader in Minnesota.

Oakland optioned Buss to Triple-A Sacramento. To make room for Buss on the 40-man roster, the Athletics transferred pitcher A.J. Griffin to the 60-day disabled list.

Buss, 27, hit .261/.330/.391 with three doubles, three triples and a home run in 26 games for Triple-A Albuquerque this season, with 16 runs batted in and 12 runs scored in 26 games.

The left-hander was an Triple-A All-Star last season with the Isotopes, hitting .303/.363/.525 with 29 doubles, 17 home runs, 11 triples, 21 stolen bases and 100 RBI in 131 games. He was rewarded with a cup of coffee with the Dodgers in September making his major league debut, but was just 2-for-19 (.105) with a walk in eight games.

The Dodgers originally selected Buss in the eighth round of the 2008 draft.

The Isotopes host Buss and the Sacramento River Cats a four-game series beginning Tuesday in Albuquerque.