Jerome Williams, trying to return to the majors after his once-promising career was stalled by weight problems, was among eight players the Athletics sent to the minor leagues Monday.
The 27-year-old gave up four runs in nine innings in four games. Williams won 17 games for the Giants before his 23rd birthday, but he had been bouncing between organizations for four years, pitching in an independent league last season.
The A's also sent down right-hander Kevin Cameron, who had a 2.79 ERA in 48 games for the Padres in 2007. A non-roster invitee, Cameron allowed two earned runs in 3 2-3 innings this spring training
Oakland optioned right-hander Ryan Webb and infielders Jeff Baisley and Eric Patterson to Triple-A Fresno. The A's reassigned right-hander James Simmons and infielders Joe Dillon and Sean Doolittle.
