Several injured Oakland A’s nearing return ahead of possible roster-thinning trade deadline
With the days to the trade deadline ticking down to single digits, there’s a strong possibility that some Oakland A’s players may be on the way to other teams before Aug. 2.
But on Saturday, manager Mark Kotsay gave updates that highlights how the A’s roster may get some new reinforcements from its own injured list soon.
Oakland infielders Jed Lowrie and Jonah Bride were both placed on the injured list on June 27 and have missed 22 games. Lowrie is nursing a sprained left shoulder but has shown progression as he ran the bases and took live batting practice on Friday and Saturday. Kotsay said Lowrie will remain with the team this weekend but is expected to head to Triple-A Las Vegas for a rehab start on Tuesday.
Bride, who is suffering a strained right shoulder, already rehabbed with the Las Vegas Aviators, where in four games he hit .400 with a home run and three RBIs. He made another rehab appearance last night with the Stockton Ports where he went 1 for 4. Kotsay said he will assess Bride’s next move at the end of the weekend.
Closer Dany Jiménez had a successful 25-pitch bullpen session Saturday and looked “clean and good” to Kotsay’s eyes, leading the manager to believe the right-hander could throw to hitters on Tuesday. Jiménez emerged early in the season as the A’s closer when he recorded ten consecutive saves, allowing just one run during that span.
Jiménez’s absence was felt on Friday as Lou Trivino, who is filling in for Jiménez who had 23 saves for the A’s last season, struggled last night when he came in a save situation with a 5-2 lead, but allowed two runs, including a solo home run by Nathaniel Lowe. He was replaced by A.J. Puk, who earned his first career save.
Right-hander Brent Honeywell Jr. was acquired by the A’s on Nov. 19 for cash considerations but has yet to make his debut in green and gold, as the 27-year-old has been on the injured list all season with a stress reaction on his right elbow. Even though Honeywell Jr. hasn’t had a full bullpen session and has missed 96 games already, Kotsay is optimistic he will pitch in the second half of the season.
At 34-62, several Oakland players are considered hot commodities for other teams to try and make a deal for ahead of the trade deadline — potentially including starter Frankie Montas, outfielder Ramon Laureano, catcher Sean Murphy and even Trivino, despite his struggles on Friday and in 2022.
The A’s will look to clinch a series victory on Saturday against the Rangers, which would be just the third series win at home all season. James Kaprielian will start for the A’s on Saturday, while Matt Bush will be the opener for Texas.