Elephant Rumblings: How many more prospects will we see?

The second half began in a familiar way for the Oakland Athletics who fell to the Minnesota Twins 5-4 Friday night. However, there is a hint that the second half of the season could be just a bit more intriguing. The A’s called up two of their top three prospects in Tyler Soderstrom and Zack Gelof and both made their major league debuts Friday night. The A’s also moved a trio of prospects in Lawrence Butler, Brett Harris and Darrell Hernaiz to Triple A. Could we see any of that group in Oakland before the end of the season.

Butler seems to be the best bet given that he is already on the 40-man roster. Oakland may want to think twice before fast tracking Harris or Hernaiz, but it is possible. Hernaiz, who was acquired from the Orioles in the Cole Irvin trade, hit .338/.393/.486 and was Baseball America’s midseason Player of the Year for the A’s.

Clearing out roster spots might be the biggest challenge. The outfield situation is crowded with both Esteury Ruiz and Ramon Laureano expected to return soon. Neither Jace Peterson or Aledmys Diaz have built much value with their play and both are signed through the 2024 season. Peterson for $5 million and Diaz for $8 million. Perhaps the A’s will try to move Brent Rooker who posted a 236 wRC+ in April, but has hit just .209/.294/.378 with a 92 wRC+ since.

A’s Coverage

• Athletics drop second half opener 5-4 to Twins
• Athletics select contracts of Tyler Soderstrom and Zack Gelof, recall Freddy Tarnok
• A’s hoping arrival of top prospects provides second-half spark
• What to expect from Tyler Soderstrom in the majors
• Midseason report for rebuilding A’s

MLB News

• Rob Manfred and Tony Clark on Rule Changes, Robo-Umps, Expansion, an international draft and more
• Angels will reportedly consider Shohei Ohtani trade offers: Deal seen as unlikely
• Rockies place Kyle Freeland on injured list
• Matt Barnes to undergo hip surgery
• Angels select Trey Cabbage, outright David Fletcher
• Padres acquire Ben Gamel from Rays
• Shane Bieber headed for MRI due to forearm irritation
• Reds have shown interest in White Sox’s starters

Best of Twitter

Mark Kotsay on the debuts of Tyler Soderstrom and Zack Gelof

Zack Gelof’s first major league hit brought home a run.

Lawrence Butler off to a fast start at Las Vegas.

Daniel Susan continues to rake for Lansing.