Thames logged six season in the majors between 2011 and 2020 and has one of the more remarkable career arcs in recent memory. He struggled for two seasons with the Blue Jays and Mariners before heading to the Korea Baseball Organization back in 2014 where he blasted 124 homers in three seasons before returning to the majors with the Brewers in 2017. He went on to hit 72 homers in three years before his career came to an abrupt end with the Nationals during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign.

Thames signed a minor league contract with the Athletics back in February and didn't end up making an appearance for his hometown team. The 35-year-old veteran slugger was off to a slow start at Triple-A Las Vegas this season, hitting just .203/.300/.317 with three homers, 12 RBI and one stolen base across 140 plate appearances over 41 games.

Thames struggled at the dish in 11 Cactus League contests and won't open the 2022 campaign as the Athletics' primary first baseman. Neither will Dalton Kelly, who was also included among the latest cuts. There aren't any other real surprises here as Oakland prepares to finalize its Opening Day roster.

Drawing a start out of the DH spot, Thames ripped a double to right in the top of the first inning and then singled and scored on a sacrifice fly in the top of the third. The 35-year-old slugger signed a minor league contract with the A's back in February and has a good shot of making a depleted Opening Day roster in Oakland.