A’s reinstate Drew Rucinski from the injured list, option Chad Smith to Las Vegas

Rucinski will start Friday’s opener against the Reds.

The Oakland Athletics announced Friday that that they have reinstated right-hander Drew Rucinski from the 15-day injured list. To make room on the active roster, Oakland optioned reliever Chad Smith to Triple A Las Vegas.

The A’s signed Rucinski to a one-year, $3 million deal in December that also includes a $5 million club option for 2024. He spent the last four seasons pitching in Korea where he made 121 starts while posting a 3.06 ERA in 732 2/3 innings. He was slated to begin the season in the rotation before a hamstring strain landed him on the injured list to start the season.

Rucinski made three rehab starts with Triple A Las Vegas where he allowed 12 hits and seven earned runs in 9 2/3 innings.

Smith appeared in eight games with Oakland and allowed 11 hits and seven runs in 10 innings.