OAKLAND -- The Angels designated Todd Cunningham for assignment to make room for Tim Lincecum, who makes his debut at the Coliseum on Saturday.
Cunningham went 1-for-12 (.083) for Los Angeles after being recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake last Saturday. He was involved in Friday's ninth-inning drama, pinch-running for Jefry Marte and scoring the game-tying run before the A's won 3-2 on Billy Burns' walk-off single.
With Shane Robinson filling the fourth outfielder role and manager Mike Scioscia's desire to maintain a 12-man pitching staff moving forward, Cunningham was the odd man out.
"I think these decisions become tougher, which it was with Todd," Scioscia said. "I think it comes down to the makeup of what we think fits. Of what Shane Robinson can do coming off the bench. He's a really good runner, can play all three positions, he can give a defensive component in left field. Todd is right with him."
Robinson, who is hitting .222 in 36 at-bats, was in Saturday's lineup batting ninth and playing left field.
Worth noting
• Geovany Soto is closing in on a rehab assignment. The catcher, who underwent right knee surgery in May, took batting practice and played catch Saturday. Scioscia said the team will re-evaluate his progress Sunday, and he could begin a rehab assignment as early as Monday.
"He's making progress," Scioscia said. "I think we're getting close. To say it would be exactly Monday, we couldn't say right now."
• Daniel Nava's absence from the lineup Saturday was rest-related. Scioscia said the Angels didn't want Nava playing in a day game following a night game immediately after coming off the disabled list Friday.
• The Angels outrighted Brendan Ryan to Salt Lake after the shortstop cleared waivers. He was designated for assignment Wednesday.