Maxwell was optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The catcher has had his fair share of action this spring, batting .229 in 35 at-bats over 19 games. He only managed three RBI to go with a disappointing 10 strikeouts, though, so it's not all that surprising he was sent down with the regular season nearing.

Maxwell, who is hitting .229 with no home runs and three RBI over 35 at-bats this spring, is battling veteran Josh Phegley for the backup catcher job behind Stephen Vogt.

EDGE Analysis

Conventional baseball wisdom would indicate that the right-handed hitting Phegley would once again form a platoon with Vogt in the coming season, but Maxwell has actually outperformed his older counterpart at the plate, although neither player's numbers are particularly inspiring. Maxwell did acquit himself well in his first brush with major league pitching last season, slashing .283/.337/.402 with six doubles, a triple, one homer and 14 RBI over 101 plate appearances. He's been a serviceable minor league hitter throughout a career that dates back to 2012 and also appears to have a solid rapport with the pitching staff, keeping the possibility open that the A's could retain him on the big league roster to start the season.

Maxwell went 1-for-2 with a single and run in Thursday's 5-1 Cactus League win over the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

The reserve catcher broke through with his first hit of spring in the sixth and scored later in the inning on another single by promising outfield prospect Jaycob Brugman. Maxwell has an uphill climb to unseat veteran Josh Phegley for the backup catcher role and is likely to start the season at Triple-A Nashville, where he slashed a superb .321/.393/.539 with 12 doubles, 10 homers and 41RBI over 219 plate appearances in 2016. However, given Maxwell's solid stint with Oakland last season -- one that saw him slash .283/.337/.402 over 101 plate appearances across 33 games -- an appearance at the big league level is highly likely at some point in the coming season if he doesn't make the final roster out of spring training.

Maxwell has been recalled

EDGE Analysis

Maxwell is being called up due to Stephen Vogt being placed on the family medical list. He has been hitting the ball well in Nashville this season posting a .321 batting average to go along with ten home runs in 60 games.