Less than three years removed from their 2020 ALDS appearance, the Athletics have just one player remaining from that team after designating veteran outfielder Ramón Laureano for assignment Saturday.
Rookie outfielder Esteury Ruiz was activated from the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move, while Laureano now will be exposed to waivers after falling short of expectations during the 2023 MLB season.
Laureano was slashing .213/.280/.364 across 64 games with six home runs, 21 RBI and eight stolen bases in his sixth season with the A's. The 29-year-old has had bad luck with injuries this season -- first, a strained left groin in April and then a fractured right hand in July.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
After debuting for Oakland in 2018, Laureano hit .246 with 68 home runs, 205 RBI and 53 stolen bases in 471 games with the A's, spending the last five-and-a-half seasons with the team. He was suspended 80 games in May 2022 after violating MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
In speaking with MLB.com's Martín Gallegos after the move was announced, Laureano reflected on the team's decision in a positive light.
Also, Ruiz was reinstated Saturday after going on the IL with a right shoulder injury on July 7. His return should be a much-needed jolt as the A's face the San Francisco Giants on Saturday at Oakland Coliseum. Ruiz was batting .257/.310/.329 over 369 plate appearances, and, despite his month-long absence, still leads the AL in stolen bases.
Oakland Athletics
In other moves Saturday, the A's also outrighted infielder Tyler Wade to Triple-A, released catcher Manny Piña, reinstated right-handed pitcher Dany Jiménez from the 60-day injured list and optioned right-hander Tayler Scott to Triple-A Las Vegas. Oakland also reinstated infielder Kevin Smith from the 10-day injured list and optioned him to Las Vegas.