KANSAS CITY -- In an effort to bolster a sagging bullpen in a late-season push for an AL Wild Card spot, the A's sought a boost from right-hander Domingo Acevedo.

Oakland arrived in Kansas City for the start of a crucial road trip on Tuesday with some alarming bullpen numbers, the relief corps having gone 3-8 with four saves, eight blown saves and a 6.27 ERA over the club's last 20 games. As a result, Acevedo was added to the mix, with right-hander Burch Smith being designated for assignment to make room on the roster.

Acevedo didn't allow a run in 11 of his last 12 appearances with Las Vegas. He ranked ninth in the Triple-A West in saves (9) and opponents batted just .186 against him.

"Acevedo has been doing a really good job for us all year down there," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "At this point in the season, you are trying to get better and you have to do it in-house. We just feel Acevedo is a little better resource for us. He pitches in a little different type of roll."

The A's believe Acevedo has the stuff to come into stressful situations with runners on base and navigate his way through traffic. Opponents hit .148 against him with runners in scoring position at Las Vegas.

Smith has appeared in 31 games with the A's this season, posting a 5.40 ERA in 43 1/3 innings, striking out 28 and allowing five home runs.

Honor for Kemp
Utilityman Tony Kemp was named the A's nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, which recognizes a player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions both on the field and in the community.

Kemp, who was named the A's nominee for the second consecutive season, will be recognized during a pregame presentation on Sept. 20 when the A's begin their final homestand of the regular season.