Elephant Rumblings: Ramon Laureano returns, but losing streak continues

Ramon Laureano returned from the injured list Saturday and immediately made his presence felt with a double, a run scored and a nice defensive play where he ranged into foul territory for a fly ball and then threw a strike to third to nail Tyler Stephenson. The A’s designated Tyler Wade for assignment to make room for Laureano on the roster. His return will add another proven bat back to the lineup.

Oakland got a good performance from Kyle Muller, who allowed one run over five innings Saturday. The bullpen did the job for the next three innings before Jeurys Familia ran into trouble in the ninth. The A’s were one out away from a win before Jake Fraley’s slow roller down the line kicked off the first base bag for a double to put the Reds in front 3-2.

A’s Coverage

• A’s let late lead slip away, lose 3-2 to Reds
• A’s 28th game without a starter win sets MLB record in loss to Reds
• ‘Thus is life, right?’ A’s Kotsay keeping perspective
• MLB corrects A’s clip it had edited to remove signs criticizing ownership
• Pitcher’s return was ‘long time coming’

MLB News

• Mariners’ Julio Rodriguez exits game with sore back
• Aaron Judge has mild right hip strain; Yanks to wait and see on IL
• Jacob deGrom placed on 15-day IL with elbow inflammation
• Padres’ hitters feast in Mexico City altitude
• Rays acquire Jay Guerra from Brewers

Best of Twitter

Mark Kotsay on Kyle Muller’s performance

Turf monster gets Ryan Noda

Jordan Diaz continues to come up with big hits