'Best birthday': Schwindel called up by A's

OAKLAND -- Frank Schwindel was prepared to spend his birthday in Salt Lake City, Utah, where the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators were in the midst of a six-game road series. His wife and six-month-old son even flew down from their hometown of New Jersey for the occasion. Instead, Schwindel received a gift better than anything he could have imagined.

Schwindel was called up to the Majors by the A’s ahead of Tuesday night’s game against the Rangers at the Coliseum. The club also reinstated right-hander J.B. Wendelken from the 10-day injured list and designated right-hander Cam Bedrosian for assignment.

Schwindel had a feeling early Monday morning that a move might be imminent when he noticed he had been added to a group text that is designated for all players on the A’s Major League roster. Showing up to the ballpark in Salt Lake City later that afternoon, he received the news from Las Vegas manager Fran Riordan that his contract was being selected.

Immediately, Schwindel relayed the news to his wife, who booked the first flight to Oakland she could find for herself and their son.

“There was one seat left on the plane. We booked that, didn’t matter the price,” Schwindel said. “It was a great pre-birthday, and then today was probably the best birthday I’ve ever had.”

Schwindel brings a total Major League experience of six games, which he played with the Royals in 2019 when he made the club’s Opening Day roster. The 29-year-old first baseman was selected by the Royals in the 18th round of the 2013 Draft.

In 44 games with Las Vegas, Schwindel was hitting .324 with 16 homers, 11 doubles and 41 RBIs with a 1.013 OPS. The 16 homers were tied for most among all Minor League players with the Angels' top prospect Jo Adell.

“This is awesome,” Schwindel said. “Just to see the hard work paying off after putting up a good year and getting recognized by management to bring me up to a winning team. ... I’m here to help out and keep it going.”

The majority of Schwindel’s playing time is expected to come against left-handed pitchers, with a chance for a start on Wednesday against Texas lefty Kolby Allard. With two-time Gold Glove Award winner Matt Olson locking down first base, Schwindel will likely be limited to a designated hitter role.

The A’s were impressed by Schwindel’s power that was on display in big league camp during Spring Training. Having continued that into the Minor League season, A’s manager Bob Melvin said the timing was right for Schwindel to get a look in the Majors as the club is currently down two right-handed hitters in Mark Canha and Stephen Piscotty, who are both on the 10-day injured list.

“We got to know Frank pretty well in Spring Training,” Melvin said. “He’s well-liked. He’s got a great attitude. He was putting up really good numbers. This time of year, you’re trying to identify what you feel like is the best guy that can help you, and we feel like he is the guy."