Elephant Rumblings: Esteury Ruiz begins rehab assignment

Some injured players are closing in on a return for the Oakland Athletics. Esteury Ruiz began a rehab assignment Friday night with Triple-A Las Vegas. Ruiz suffered a shoulder injury back on July 5 while diving back into first base in Detroit. Ruiz played five innings in center field and went 1-for-2 at the plate with a run scored. There is still no firm timetable for his return, but he’s progressing.

Infielder Kevin Smith joined Ruiz in Las Vegas’ lineup Friday night, playing five innings at shortstop while going 1-for-2 at the plate. Smith has been sidelined since the middle of June with a back strain.

Reliever Zach Jackson began a rehab assignment earlier this week with Low A Stockton. He recorded two strikeouts while working a perfect inning Wednesday. Jackson is currently on the 60-day injured list with a flexor tendon strain in his right elbow.

A’s Coverage

• Athletics win a slugfest in Colorado, 8-5
• Gelof’s hot start a spark for A’s: ‘I love playing this game’
• JP Sears breaks down his pitch development process
• Trop owner: A’s ballpark design moving at a fast pace

MLB News

• Scherzer to ‘talk to the brass’ about Mets’ Deadline plans
• Dodgers get Lynn, Kelly in trade with White Sox
• Jonah Heim to miss at least 2-3 weeks with wrist strain; surgery possible
• Rangers acquire Kevin Plawecki from Padres
• Nolan Arenado: ‘I haven’t been asked’ about waiving no-trade clause
• 7 teams that should go all-in at the Trade Deadline
• Reds reward manager David Bell with 3-year contract extension
• Rays, Diamondbacks showing interest in Jordan Hicks
• Elias: Orioles will seek pitching before Trade Deadline
• Mikolas, Marmol suspended, fined for Happ HBP
• Astros reunite with Kendall Graveman in trade with Chicago

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