A's add offensive thump by acquiring Adam Dunn from White Sox

After being shut out in consecutive games by the arch-rival Los Angeles Angels, the Oakland A's are adding some offensive thump ahead of the postseason eligibility deadline.

On Sunday morning, the team announced they've acquired designated hitter Adam Dunn from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for a minor league pitcher.

Oakland was reportedly on Dunn’s no-trade list, but he's decided to waive his veto power to play for a contender. He's never appeared in the postseason during his 14-year major league career. Despite the A's falling to four games back in the AL West on Saturday night, they still own a four-game cushion in the AL wild-card race.

Dunn, 34, won't provide much by way of batting average. Through 435 plate appearances this season, he's hitting .220/.340/.433. He can still dial up the long ball though, with 20 homers over the first five months.

Whatever numbers he puts up during the stretch run will likely be compared to Yoenis Cespedes, whom the A's traded to the Boston Red Sox in the Jon Lester deal. It's the opinion of some that Oakland never should have moved Cespedes' power bat, but the opportunity to add an ace is rare, so general manager Billy Beane jumped at the chance.

There's no doubt Oakland's offense has struggled in the weeks following the deal. In August, they've scored three runs or less in 18 of 28 games. They'll now hope Dunn can help alleviate some pressure that has been placed on other guys to produce.

Dunn is in the final year of a four-year, $56 million deal. The A's will only owe him the remaining $2.5 million, so it's not a costly deal by any means. Dunn has also previously hinted at retirement following the 2014 season. It seems he's still leaning that way on Sunday.

A postseason appearance will likely clinch that decision.

Sanburn was a second-round pick in 2012. He currently owns a 2.92 ERA in 120 minor league innings.

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Mark Townsend

is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813