Elephant Rumblings: Two of A’s minor league affiliates throw no-hitters

A’s Coverage:

• Slusser: AL West-leading Astros thump A’s, Homer Bailey...
• Footer: Three relievers pick up Bailey’s short start...
• Slusser: A’s recall Nick Martini — he pitches a scoreless 8th...
• Slusser: A’s Stephen Piscotty tests knee; it’s unclear when he’ll start rehab assignment...
• Berman: Midseason MLB regional TV ratings — Giants viewership plummets, A’s remain at the bottom... ($)
• Slusser: A’s Ramón Laureano named AL Player of the Week...
• Footer: Laureano’s honor ‘not a surprise’ to Melvin...

Best of AN:

• Urquhart: Game #102 — A’s Annihilated By Astros...
• Prospect Watch: Two no-hitters in one day!
• Hall: Ramon Laureano is on absolute fire...
• Nico: Trade Deadline Musings, Blogfather Style...
• Baker-Gillman: Series #34 — Athletics at Astros: Make or Break Series...
• Hall: Oakland A’s place Brett Anderson on paternity, recall Nick Martini...
• Hall: Fans still nervous about Oakland A’s rotation...

MLB News:

• Puma: Mets righty Zack Wheeler (shoulder) slated to start Friday against Pirates...
• Grant: Teams showing interest in Rangers relievers Chris Martin and Jose Leclerc...
• Rosenthal: State of the starting pitching market; a critical stage for the Red Sox; Zack Greinke’s trade appeal; more notes... ($)
• Salisbury: Phillies showing interest in Tigers righty Shane Greene, lefty Matthew Boyd...
• Morosi: Rays inquired on Rangers OF/DH Hunter Pence...
• Jim Bowden’s Trade Deadline Diary: With nine days left, who needs what — and where can they get it? ($)
• Rosiak: Brewers expect top righty Brandon Woodruff (oblique) to miss about six weeks...
• Sullivan: Rangers righty Shawn Kelley (biceps) hits IL...
• Abraham: Here’s why Rich Hill wants to pitch as long as he can...
• Beck: Tigers sign righty Edwin Jackson to minor league deal...

Baseball Interest Stories:

• Reed: Nets need to be extended at baseball games right now — and I know why... ($)
• Dodd: Please read this story about MLB Trade Rumors before they aggregate it... ($)
• Mailhot: The Giants Have Played Themselves Into a Pickle...
• Baumann: Stephen Strasburg Is Finally Pitching Like the Ace He Was Supposed to Be. You Just Might Not Be Able to Tell...
• Jackson: Pickled Tink in Portland...

Today in Baseball History:

• 1961 — Using 21 pitchers, the Tigers (11) and A’s (10) set an American League record for most hurlers used in an 18-inning doubleheader. At 3 hours, 54 minutes, the second game is the longest 9-inning contest in AL history. The entire doubleheader lasts six hours, 50 minutes, a major league record. The Tigers sweep, 6 - 4 and 17 - 14, taking first place by one percentage point.
• 1995 — Oakland P Dave Stewart announces his retirement from baseball.

Best of Twitter:

• A job well done in both Stockton and Arizona!

• This is just awesome...

• Probably the A’s only highlight from Monday night...