By DANIEL DULLUM
Sports Radio Service
Thursday, July 17, 2014

The Toronto Blue Jays claimed A’s left-handed pitcher Brad Mills off waivers Thursday. Mills was designated for assignment by Oakland on July 7 after the Athletics acquired pitchers Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel in a trade with the Chicago Cubs.

While with Oakland, Mills was 1-1 with a 4.41 earned run average in three starts. Before joining the A’s in a deal with Milwaukee, Mills 4-2 with a 1.56 ERA for Triple-A Nashville.

In their first action since the All-Star break, the Athletics are home this weekend, hosting the AL East-leading Baltimore Orioles. On Friday and Saturday, the A’s will celebrate the 25th anniversary of their 1989 World Series championship team.

Hall of Famers Rickey Henderson, Dennis Eckersley and Manager Tony La Russa will be on hand, along with Jose Canseco, Dave Henderson, Carney Lansford, Dave Parker, Lance Blankenship, Todd Burns, Mike Moore, Ken Phelps, Tony Phillips, current A’s coaches Mike Gallego and Curt Young, and 1989 coaches Merv Rettenmund and Tommie Reynolds.

Dave Stewart, the most valuable player of the ’89 World Series, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch on Saturday night. There will be autograph sessions on Friday and Saturday, with proceeds going to charity.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the A’s return to AL West play when Houston visits the Coliseum for a two-game set.