Why Athletics cut ties with .623 OPS catcher amid Phillies series

The Athletics will play the finale of a three-game set on the road against the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday evening. 

Before tonight's game, they made a notable roster move at the catcher's position. 

Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports that Austin Wynns was designated for assignment by the A's after Shea Langeliers returned from the paternity list. 

"Wynns’ poor performance at the plate will send him to the waiver wire in all likelihood, though it’s possible another club swings a cash swap to plug him in as a short-term backup," Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors wrote. 

Langeliers and recent trade acquisition Jonah Heim will split the catching duties for the A's for the time being. 

MORE: Don Mattingly and Preston Mattingly make father-son MLB history for Phillies

Wynns joined the A's last season and hit just .167/.204/.304 with three homers and 10 RBIs in 36 games with the AL West club. 

Because he hits from the left side of the batter's box, Heim gives manager Mark Kotsay a better opportunity to mix and match at the catcher spot in the A's lineup. 

More MLB news:

• Three ways Pirates' Paul Skenes could lose NL Cy Young Award
• Aaron Judge makes baseball history never done before by Yankees player
• Reds' Elly De La Cruz makes baseball history not done in last 126 years
• 5 reasons to believe in Jordan Walker's breakout for Cardinals
• Pete Crow-Armstrong is still struggling to hit well for the Cubs