Ramón Laureano has missed more than a month with a stress reaction in his right shin. But it appears the A's dynamic center fielder will be back in the lineup in the very near future.
Oakland manager Bob Melvin told reporters that Laureano would likely return during the team's upcoming six-game homestand. That could potentially be as soon as Tuesday against the Angels, which would be in line with the A's initial time frame for the 24-year-old.
"He's chomping at the bit to get back," Melvin said Friday. "There's a certain timetable that we have for him and we're trying to stay disciplined with that."
Laureano has been performing all baseball activities in Arizona, including running and taking live at-bats. That would suggest he probably won't need a rehab assignment before returning to Oakland.
Laureano would certainly be a welcome addition to the middle of the A's lineup. Before going on the injured list, he was Oakland's hottest hitter, slashing .392/.443/.838 with eight home runs, nine doubles, and 18 RBI in July.
For the season, Laureano leads the A's with a .284 batting average. His 21 homers and 58 RBI both rank fifth on the squad. His return will lengthen the A's lineup, providing even more power and speed, and his defensive prowess will bolster the outfield.
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Mark Canha will likely move from center to right field, while Seth Brown, Robbie Grossman, and Chad Pinder figure to split time in left. Of course, if Khris Davis doesn't get going offensively, those three could also see some time at designated hitter.
With the rosters expanding, the A's will not need to make a corresponding move when Laureano comes off the IL.
