Maui's Kurt Suzuki is the Athletics' starting catcher.

The A's traded Melhuse to Texas on June 9, then the Rangers designated him for assignment Aug. 23 before releasing him.

The 35-year-old Melhuse batted .231 in 12 games for the A's this year, and .206 with a homer and seven RBIs in 23 games for Texas. He also had a short stint with Triple-A Sacramento.

"This came up and I was pleasantly surprised," said Melhuse, standing at his new space in the clubhouse with his new No. 4 uniform. "It's a change of scenery in a familiar setting. ... There's a handful of new faces I haven't met. Oakland's never been in this spot as far as the standings."

Melhuse was on the 2006 team that reached the AL championship series. When Melhuse's agent told him earlier in the week to guess which club had called, Melhuse couldn't believe it was Oakland.

He will be called upon not only to catch but also as a pinch hitter and fill in at third base.

"They said he was available and would I have interest in him," manager Bob Geren said of his conversation with team executives. "I said, 'sure.' He's a great guy. I have always liked him. He fits in good with the team. Nice decision."

To make roster room for Melhuse, the A's transferred third baseman Eric Chavez to the 60-day disabled list, one day after the club announced he would be sidelined for the remainder of the season and have surgery on his right shoulder Sept. 10 to repair a torn labrum.

Oakland also called up left-hander Dallas Braden, who was scheduled to start the series finale Sunday against the Detroit Tigers. Braden is in the big leagues for the fifth time this year and is coming off a three-hit shutout, 17-strikeout performance Monday for Sacramento against Colorado Springs.

Braden won his major league debut April 24, but dropped his next seven decisions. He is 1-7 with the A's. Geren hopes he can build on his recent success in the minors.