MLB news roundup
Happy Wednesday, Athletics Nation!
The A’s lost yesterday’s series opener against the Red Sox in Fenway, but not due to the sort of anemic offensive performance that has typified so many defeats this season. Oakland scored a very healthy nine runs, but unfortunately Joey Estes fell far short of last week’s complete game shutout performance and allowed eight runs in less than two innings before being relieved by Tyler Ferguson, who promptly allowed another three to leave the A’s with an insurmountable deficit.
Nevertheless, the A’s bats made a respectable comeback bid that made the remainder of the game enjoyable to watch for those who stuck around. Brent Rooker kept hitting like the All-Star he deserves to be, going 2-for-3 with a double and two walks as his season OPS popped the .900 threshold. Zack Gelof went 3-for-4 and homered for the first time in July.
But it was Lawrence Butler that provided the A’s highlight of the game with this mammoth three-run shot that carried 457 feet.
"That ball is absolutely crushed!"
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) July 10, 2024
Lawrence Butler slugs his fifth homer of the season 457 feet -- the longest of the year for any @Athletics player: pic.twitter.com/QPPQS6k8C0
That dinger was actually an Athletics season highlight, as it set a new team bar for home run distance this season. Like many of his young teammates, Butler has flashed an abundance of potential, but has yet to realize it on a consistent basis. Hopefully last night’s longball is a sign that Law will come into his own with the bat before too much longer.
The series in Boston continues today with JP Sears starting on the mound for Oakland. The A’s lefty has struggled to stay in a groove lately but is coming off a strong five scoreless innings against the Angels on the Fourth of July. Let’s go, Oakland!
Roster moves.
LHP Hogan Harris to paternity list, RHP Michel Otanez to A’s, RHP Ross Stripling, RHP Paul Blackburn & OF Esteury Ruiz to STK on rehab, RHP Zach Jackson to ACL A’s, LHP Kyle Muller off A’s IL, LHP Jack O’Loughlin to LV, SS Max Muncy to ACL A’s on rehab…https://t.co/joKXkyUAPy
— Athletics Farm (@AthleticsFarm) July 9, 2024
Injury updates.
A’s injuries:
— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) July 9, 2024
- Ross Stripling, Paul Blackburn and Esteury Ruiz are all rehabbing today with Single-A Stockton
- Darell Hernaiz is heading to Arizona for rehab and expected to begin playing in rehab games July 19 or 20
- Abraham Toro is also heading to Arizona to rehab
Solid line for Hoglund.
Tyler Baum now on the mound for the RockHounds.
— Midland RockHounds (@RockHounds) July 10, 2024
Gunnar Hoglund's final line: 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 4 K, 1 BB
Ballers block party this Friday!
Join us this Friday, July 12 at 5 PM for an evening filled with music, BBQ, cocktails, and baseball, as The Oakland Ballers host an epic Block Party.
— Oakland Ballers (@OaklandBallers) July 9, 2024
As an organization that prioritizes the people of Oakland, we are putting together this tailgate-style event thats showcases… pic.twitter.com/Dg2NAATeLe
Kemp is now in the Reds system.
ROSTER MOVE: Veteran infielder Tony Kemp has been signed by the @Reds and assigned to Louisville today.
— Louisville Bats (@LouisvilleBats) July 9, 2024
We're excited to see him playing in the right uniform at Louisville Slugger Field this week. pic.twitter.com/ZZDLCfwCWX