​Slumping Athletics make offensive move, sign Donovan Walton originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The slumping Athletics’ All-Star break transformation started with Monday’s dismissal of pitching coach Scott Emerson and continued with the signing of infielder Donovan Walton.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLosers of nine straight and 17 of 20, the July skid dumped the Athletics from AL West contention to searching the MLB waiver wire for reinforcements.A 2012 36th round draft choice, Walton appeared in 32 games with the Los Angeles Angels before being unceremoniously released July 8. At the time of his DFA, Donovan, whose defense remains limited, batted .319 with three home runs and an .860 OPS.Are the Athletics gearing up for a busy trade deadline, aiming to build a young core around All-Stars Nick Kurtz and Shea Langeliers? The club’s No. 29-ranked pitching staff has been riddled with injuries and ineffectiveness, compiling a 5.21 ERA.The team’s pitching coach since 2017, Emerson was replaced by bullpen coach Dan Hubbs, who will assume the role when the regular-season resumes Friday, opening a series against the visiting Washington Nationals.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith Zack Gelof landing on the injured list and Tyler Soderstrom and Jacob Wilson sidelined, the Athletics could look to Walton to provide locker-room depth.Capable of playing second and third base, Walton committed one error on 37 defensive chances this season and participated in three double plays. The 32-year-old enjoyed a strong offensive start with the Angels.Apparently auditioning for his future employers, Walton went 3-for-5 in a 7-0 win over the Athletics on June 20 and clubbed a three-run homer during the next day’s 9-7 win. He compiled a 10-game hitting streak (June 10-26).AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWalton is expected to create a new-look lineup this weekend against the Nationals at Sutter Health Park.Dumbfounded: Spencer Torkelson’s inconsistent production compounding Tigers’ problemsBrandon Lowe-led Pirates pace MLB in scoring at break, lag on All-Star Game recognitionNationals’ James Wood leading off with record-breaking powerRockies’ Jake McCarthy creates MLB inside-the-park home run historyPirates rookie Esmerlyn Valdez establishes MLB go-ahead hitting history versus Brewers